Key Apple designers Jony Ive and Marc Newson will be opening up the first ever Conde Nast International Luxury Conference, scheduled for April 22 and 23 in Florence, Italy, according to an announcement made on Wednesday.
The conference is being curated by Vogue international editor Suzy Menkes, who will talk with Ive and Newson about their collaborations and the "21st century definition of luxury." In a prepared statement by Menkes, Apple was described as a "powerful part of the luxury industry."
"The iPhone, iPad, and the forthcoming Apple Watch are in direct competition with handbags, timepieces and high-end accessories," Menkes said. "I want Jony Ive to tell the conference delegates where 21st century luxury is headed."
Some other fashionistas appearing at the event will include fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Beluti CEO Antoine Arnault, and Hermes CEO Axel Dumas.
At the Apple Watch's final unveiling on Monday, Apple deliberately positioned the Apple Watch as a luxury item, emphasizing its fashion appeal. The Edition models of the device will start at $10,000, making them the most expensive consumer products Apple has ever sold.
Ive is the company's senior vice president of design, and often considered the driving influence behind the look and feel of its products. Newson is a relatively recent hire, brought on board solely to work on special projects. The two have been friends for some time, and in 2013 cooperated on designs for a (RED) charity auction.