Dana Buchman, a successful fashion designer and former Executive Vice President of Liz Claiborne Inc., was unceremoniously ousted from her position as Creative Director of women’s apparel at Kohl’s in early 2013. The move came as a surprise to many in the industry, as Buchman had been widely hailed as a breath of fresh air when she joined the company in 2006.
Buchman’s ouster is believed to be the result of a power struggle between her and Kohl’s CEO Kevin Mansell. Mansell, who joined the company in 2008, is said to have been unimpressed with Buchman’s designs and her unwillingness to cede control to him.
In the end, Mansell decided to put his own stamp on the company by bringing in a new creative team. Buchman has not commented publicly on her firing, but sources close to her say she is devastated by the turn of events.
It remains to be seen what Buchman will do next, but one thing is for sure: she will not be going back to Kohl’s anytime soon.
