EXHIBIT 10(u)(iii)

                                    AMENDMENT
                                     TO THE
                LIZ CLAIBORNE RETIREMENT INCOME ACCUMULATION PLAN


     The Liz  Claiborne  Retirement  Income  Accumulation  Plan (the  "Plan") is
hereby amended effective September 7, 2001 in the following respects:

     1. Section 1.10 is amended by replacing  "December 30, 2001" with "December
     30, 2004."

     2. Section 2.1 is amended by replacing "2001" with "2003."

     3. Section  3.1.1 is amended by replacing  "December 28, 2002" each time it
     occurs with "January 1, 2005."

     4. Section 3.2 is amended by replacing "December 28, 2002" with "January 1,
     2005."

     5. Section 3.3.1 is amended by replacing "December 31, 2000" with "December
     31, 2002."

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Liz Claiborne,  Inc. has caused this instrument to be
executed by its duly authorized officer as of the 3rd day of January, 2002.


                               LIZ CLAIBORNE, INC.


                               By:      /s/ Michael Scarpa
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        Name:    Michael Scarpa
                                        Title:   Vice President - Chief
                                        Financial Officer


                               ATTEST:


                                       /s/ Nicholas Rubino
                                        -----------------------------------