Apple has reportedly hired Catherine Monier, formerly president of Yves Saint Laurent Europe, to work in special projects with former Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve, already at Apple, who apparently coordinated the hire. For those keeping track at home, that's even more fashion and retail firepower for Apple, leading up to a rumored iWatch launch this fall. From 9to5Mac:
Sources say that Deneve's team at Apple has been working on new strategies for Apple's official retail stores in order to make the stores more capable of selling and marketing fashion and wearable goods. The timing of Monier's placement on this team is also no coincidence: Apple is gearing up to launch a fashion and fitness-oriented wearable band this fall, and Apple will need all the expertise in selling fashion goods that it can get its hands on prior to the launch.
There's also been speculation that Apple is moving to position themselves beyond a consumer electronics brand and as a fashion and lifestyle brand. If and how this evolves remains to be seen. In the meantime, what do you think — could you see Apple as the center of your smart fashion universe?
