A Rising Tide

Why should you care that legendary designer Jil Sander -- The Queen of Less, The Master of Minimalism, The Fashion Reductionist -- has signed on as the new creative director for Japanese mass-retailer Uniqlo? [WWD]

Let us count the ways... Sander's masterful designs will soon be available at Old Navy prices. Not only does that mean a better dressed you, but a better dressed everyone -- making it less painful to walk down the street. Also, the move automatically ratchets up the bar for other mass-retailers, which could inspire some similarly breakthrough appointments -- We're thinking Junya Watanabe at J. Crew.