Apple’s Fashion Hires, Uber for Models, Accessible Luxury

LONDON, United Kingdom — This week on BoF, we examined the lifespan of accessible luxury brands, decoded the thinking behind Apple’s fashion and luxury hires and evaluated the potential of ‘Uber for models’ apps. But we book-ended the week with the colourful world of illustrator, roving creative director and prolific Instagrammer Donald Robertson and a look at why, for luxury brands in the Middle East, high-calibre Arab brand ambassadors are hard to find.

Enjoy our top stories for the week gone by:

Donald Robertson, Creative 'Wacky Warrior’ The illustrator, roving creative director and prolific Instagrammer says real success arrived when he stopped listening to focus groups.

Why Has Apple Been Poaching Fashion Execs? Before the launch of Apple’s Watch, the company made a slew of fashion and luxury hires. But the moves at the notoriously secretive Apple are about more than wearable tech.

Do 'Accessible Luxury' Brands Have an Inherently Limited Lifespan? Affordable luxury brands can be financial juggernauts. But does their accessible pricing and widespread distribution mean they have an inherently limited lifespan?

Will ‘Uber for Models’ Disrupt the Industry? New apps like Swipecast connect models eager to maximise their income with clients who want a cheaper and easier alternative to traditional agencies. But will they really change the game?

Op-Ed | Wanted: Arab Brand Ambassadors The luxury industry faces a catch-22 in the Middle East where brands encounter major obstacles casting Arab celebrities for ad campaigns and magazines.