Renowned fashion doyenne Jil Sander has been reinstated as chief of the company she founded 30 years ago. Her business was taken over by the Prada group back in 2000, but Jil left just four months later, citing irreconcilable differences with boss Patrizio Bertelli.
The pair met up last week, however, to announce an agreement that will see her returning as creative director of Jil Sander AG. And the 59-year-old is also to take a seat on the board of Prada.
"There is a global answer to how the world should react," said Jil. "There was all the hype in 2000, when everyone from banks to financial institutions, to the new economy, wanted to get bigger. Now we understand that certain things are very difficult, if you don't take time to understand other cultures."
The fashion world has taken Jil's reinstatement as a firm reminder that the beating heart of any label lies with one individual – its creative director. The experience of her company is regarded as proof that the newly business-driven industry can smother creative talent.
Bertelli has made it clear, however, that Jil will be captain of her own ship, with control over everything from new products to advertising and retail. "My belief was and still is that the raison d'etre of the Jil Sander company is fundamentally connected to Jil herself," he said. "We never asked her to leave the company, and I understand that she is the engine and soul."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
