JILL SANDER PART WAYS WITH LUKE AND LUCIE MEIER

After a seven-year tenure, husband-and-wife duo Lucie Meier and Luke Meier  are stepping down as co-creative directors of Jil Sander, the Milan-based fashion house announced today. The Meiers’ final collection was showcased at Milan Fashion Week, marking the end of a period characterized by a revitalization of the brand’s minimalist ethos and a unique collaborative dynamic. Renzo Rosso, chairman of the OTB Group, which acquired Jil Sander in 2021, expressed gratitude for the Meiers’ vision and dedication, stating, “We are thankful to Lucie and Luke for their exceptional work and the fresh perspective they brought to Jil Sander.” 

During their leadership, the Meiers infused Jil Sander’s collections with a blend of precision and intimacy, balancing the brand’s hallmark clean lines with subtle romantic elements. Their approach resonated in the market, contributing to a 17.3% increase in sales in 2023. Their designs often featured dramatic contrasts, as seen in their final collection, which included shimmering surfaces on dark runways and edgy reinterpretations of femininity with sequined fringe and punk-inspired elements. 

Lucie and Luke Meier brought a wealth of experience to Jil Sander. Lucie had previously worked alongside industry luminaries such as Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, and Raf Simons at Dior, where she served as co-interim creative director. Luke, on the other hand, was the head designer at Supreme for eight years before co-founding the menswear label OAMC. Their combined expertise and personal connection allowed them to steer Jil Sander with a cohesive and modern vision. 

The departure of the Meiers comes at a time of significant change within the fashion industry, with several major houses undergoing shifts in creative leadership. As of now, Jil Sander has not announced successors for the creative director positions. The Meiers expressed their gratitude towards the teams at Jil Sander and specifically thanked Renzo Rosso for his support during their tenure. Their exit marks the end of a notable chapter in Jil Sander’s history, leaving the fashion world anticipating the brand’s next evolution.