BRAND PROFILE | Jill Sander
If you have ever tuned in to the latest Jil Sander runway show you know that the house is characterized by absolute minimalism and clean lines. Its founder, Heidemarie Jiline Sander, is a German designer known fittingly as “The Queen of Less”.
Jil Sander Ad- 1980s Sander is recognized for her androgynous designs composed of neutral color pallets, unusual textures, luxurious yet understated fabrics, and her love for using technological innovations in her garments (in 1999 she was able to secure the mesh Nike used in their Air Max sneakers to construct women’s suiting). Her ability to create a work uniform that was simple and layer-able instead of excessive and lavish was what elevated her brand from its modest beginnings in the fashion outback of Hamburg, Germany, into the $200 million dollar company it is today.
Jill Sander - 1991
She showcased her collection for the first time at Paris Fashion Week in 1974 but her minimalistic style clashed terribly with the opulent fashion of the time, which made her first show a failure. Her popularity soared, however, during the 80s when top names like Calvin Klein and Armani introduced a newer and sleeker look, a feat that became possible thanks to the fact that women were starting to reach previously unattainable executive positions and needed a clean cut wardrobe to go with it. Vogue has said that her biggest achievement was re kindling the relationship between professionalism and chic which is evidenced by her trademark design of a perfectly cut pantsuit and a form-fitting simple coat or slim blouse.
Kate Moss for Jil Sander - 1996
In 1999 Prada Group bought a 75% share in the Jil Sander Company for which she remained as Creative Director, six months later in January 2000 she resigned with the objective of branching out into different sides of the fashion industry. She returned and left twice more over the passing years – once from May 2003 to November 2004, and once from February 2012 to October 2013 - before she decisively left for good. After her first resignation most of the production and design staff left with her and the Jil Sander Group reported its first ever loss of $94 million dollars.
Jill Sander - Spring 2008
Around the third time Sander returned to her eponymous label she announced the creation of her own fashion consultancy company. Their first client was Uniqlo - a brand owned by Japanese brand Fast Retailing – for which Sander was placed in charge of overseeing the design of womenswear and menswear for the +J collection. After 3 years of successful partnership it was announced that they would not be renewing their contract, it was also reported to be a mutual split.
Jil Sander - Fall 2012
As an unwavering advocate of minimalism Jil Sander assisted in changing the fashion industry as we knew it into one where restrained style became current and excess démodé. Today the brand is favored by some of the world’s most powerful and well-known women including Miranda Kerr, Sarah Jessica Parker, The Olsen Twins and Oprah Winfrey.
Jil Sander - Spring 2015
* All images courtsey from Pintrest.com