Fashionistas Debate The Apple’s Watch Look

Apple’s new smartwatch has divided fashion mavens who may prove pivotal to its broad acceptance, Reuters reported, based on interviews with a range of fashion observers.

Some praised the Apple Watch, which will start at $349 when it arrives in 2015, for its clean aesthetic. But others said the watch has a masculine aura, while still others called the design pleasing but less than revolutionary.

“It’s not pretty,” said Roseanne Morrison, fashion director for industry consultant The Doneger Group. “It’s very future techno as opposed to feminine sexy.” Eric Wilson, fashion news director for InStyle Magazine, called it “a status symbol to carry,” but described the design as “generic” and “a very masculine watch.”

Other fashion critics were effusive. “It is immaculate in terms of how function meets design,” said Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue. But Marie Claire tech editor Jenna Blaha said she was impressed with the Watch but would need to touch and feel the device before recommending it to readers.

Many of the fashion experts agreed that the most compelling wearables haven’t hit the market yet. Fashion editors were curious about an expected wearable accessory from fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, a high-fashion smart bracelet from Intel, and a smart ring from Ringly.

“This is just the beginning,” said Lea Goldman, a reporter for Marie Claire. “How long before there is a partnership with Marc Jacobs and Valentino to do more sophisticated faces?”