Apple Inc hires former Yves Saint Laurent boss

Apple Inc has brought on board Paul Deneve, the erstwhile CEO of French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, as Special Projects vice president.

Deneve, a sales and marketing manager for Apple in Europe between 1990-97, resigned from YSL earlier this week, saying he was looking for a new opportunity in the tech sector.

The 52-year-old Belgian has also worked for Courreges, Lanvin and Nina Ricci.

"We're thrilled to welcome Paul Deneve to Apple," company spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement. "He'll be working on special projects as a vice president reporting directly to Tim Cook", CEO of the California-based tech giant.

Analysts saw Deneve's appointment as a sign that Apple is serious about exploring the possibilities of wearable computing and is alert to the trend of a merging of technology with fashion.

It was revealed on Monday that the technology giant has applied for a trademark for "iWatch" in Japan. The trademark application, submitted on June 3 and released on the Japan Patent Office website on June 27, would cover computers, computer peripherals and wristwatches

With inputs from agencies