A fracas in fashion brings hope to department stores.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Don Steinberg

PHILADELPHIA _ It was last June when the half-billion-dollar relationship finally unraveled, and a new war broke out _ in the women's fashion department.

The battle, on display in apple green and cotton-candy pink in department stores this spring, pits two titans of the fashion industry _ former allies Jones Apparel Group and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. _ against each other.

It is a conflict over market share and money; the results might help Jones Apparel continue its yearlong financial recovery. But it is also about reputation and pride, as two teams of fashion designers who once worked together have scrambled to outdo each other to attract fashion-savvy but price-conscious women.

Meanwhile, America's long-suffering department stores, where this attention-getting battle will largely play out, are just thrilled it is happening, because it might even win them back some customers.

For seven years, Jones Apparel had designed, produced and sold the "Lauren by Ralph Lauren" line of women's clothing under license from Polo Ralph Lauren. It was a profitable and successful match.

Jones ...