The eternal appeal of Jil Sander’s modern minimalism
The eternal appeal of Jil Sander’s modern minimalism
A sartorial byword for understated elegance, Jil Sander is an eternal favorite among fashion’s most discerning dressers – and the label’s signature understated designs are more relevant now than ever
Never has a label been quite so synonymous with a fashion movement as Jil Sander with the stark minimalism that defined the ’90s. And following the flamboyance and opulence of ’80s fashion, it’s difficult to overstate just how seminal this aesthetic shift was. By stripping women’s wardrobes of overwrought designs and presenting them with a vision of modernity and style that responded to their needs, the label instigated a sartorial revolution.
In this way, the simplicity of minimalism and Jil Sander’s designs belie their profound ramifications, and, after a year during which our relationship with the clothes hanging in our closets changed irrevocably, this pared-back approach feels more current than ever. Luke and Lucie Meier, the husband-and-wife design duo who have helmed the brand since 2017, clearly took the pandemic, and the effect it has had on women’s lives, into account when it came to designing the SS21 collection. Typical of the needle-pushing designers – Luke cut his teeth at streetwear goliath Supreme before founding his own label, OAMC, while Lucie’s resumé boasts stints at powerhouses including Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior – their interpretation of future-proof style is utterly distinct and strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elegant.
Typical of the needle-pushing designers… their interpretation of future-proof style is utterly distinct and strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elegant
Top of our wish list this season? It’s simply impossible to choose a favorite from the Meiers’ ultra-wearable dresses, but if you’re in need of a piece that will breathe new life into your WFH wardrobe, look no further than Jil Sander’s covetable shirt dresses. From an insouciant streamlined style cast in deep chocolate – this season’s must-have shade – to a crisp white cotton design complete with full pleated skirt, these are practical pieces with year-round appeal. They can be pulled on at a moment’s notice with minimal effort, yet promise maximum impact. Finish yours with knee-high boots during the winter months, then switch out for luxe slides when the mercury begins to rise. Far from being limited to your nine-to-five closet, with the addition of a few choice accessories, they work after-dark, too. When dinner dates and drinks with friends are back on the agenda, simply pair with barely-there sandals and chunky gold jewelry for a fail-safe day-to-night look.
Elsewhere, if it’s your off-duty uniform that could do with an overhaul, Jil Sander has relaxed yet refined dresses that will make you look polished in an instant – and work just as well for picnics in the park as they do for leisurely days spent lunching and gallery-hopping, when the time comes. Combining Jil Sander’s minimal mastery with a sense of craft and human touch, the Meiers’ timeless day dresses, which range from close-cut knitted designs to crinkled-silk slip styles, combine form and function to sublime effect. Take your styling cues from the SS21 show by finishing with modern mules and a grab bag for a versatile outfit that boasts endless style milage.
In short, the Meiers are pioneering a new form of minimalism, one defined by a sense of warmth and ease – and their designs strike the elusive balance between timely and timeless.
How to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe