After founding her label in 1973, German designer jil sander flourished through the 80s and 90s, and soon achieved an international following with her understated luxurious and minimalistic designs.

In 1999 Prada Group bought a 75 percent share in her company. Sander remained creative designer and became chairwoman in the new joint venture. six months later Sander unexpectedly resigned abruptly as chairwoman and shortly thereafter as chief designer after confrontations with Prada’s CEO. Sander returned to the company as head designer and partner May 2003, she was rehired under a six-year consulting contract. In November 2004, Sander terminated cooperation with Prada and resigned from her post again after insurmountable differences with the ceo. She withdrew from her involvement in her namesake brand.

In June 2005 Raf Simons was appointed as Creative Director for the Jil Sander label. She returned for the last time to her brand in February 2012, only days after Raf simons was released from his position. Sander left the brand again in October 2013.

photo right: jil sander in ad campaign, vogue paris okt 1978