Dive Brief:

• American Apparel has brought on former Band of Outsiders design director Joseph Pickman as head men’s designer, a move that helps CEO Paula Schneider round out her team.

• Pickman had been mens design director at the Los Angeles-based apparel retailer from 2011 until February this year.

• The appointment is also a sign that the struggling apparel company aims to beef up its menswear offerings, and Schneider told Women’s Wear Daily that the efforts of her team will become evident in the fall season.

Dive Insight:

Just a decade ago, Band of Outsiders began as a men's-only clothier that did “classics with a twist” and has maintained a quirky idiosyncrasy in fashion design. The choice of Pickman for American Apparel is a sign that Schneider’s vision isn’t just about survival, but that it may be a bit more daring in approach to fashion.

American Apparel won’t be charging Band of Outsiders prices, but it will be interesting to see whether the struggling retailer will be able to start making headlines that don’t have to do with boardroom struggles or financial straits.