German-born Jil Sander was educated as a textile engineer and had worked as a fashion editor before opening her first boutique in 1967 at age 24. She sold the wares of Thierry Mugler and Sonia Rykiel, mixed with a few of her own designs until founding her own house the next year. Sander’s first collection, which was shown in Paris in 1975, was a failure as her minimalist look, which emphasized fabric quality, was in direct contrast to the colorful and lavish looks of the era.
It was not until the mid-1980s when Sander’s pared-down look with precise cuts and form-fitting pieces in luxurious plain fabrics caught the eye of the fashion conscious and she began to experience a real following. Her designs were meant to be easily coordinated and as they were intended for the woman conquering the corporate world, was one less thing for the busy woman to concern herself with.Â
It was not until the mid-1980s when Sander’s pared-down look with precise cuts and form-fitting pieces in luxurious plain fabrics caught the eye of the fashion conscious and she began to experience a real following. Her designs were meant to be easily coordinated and as they were intended for the woman conquering the corporate world, was one less thing for the busy woman to concern herself with.Â
With the minimalist look in full swing by the 1990s, Sander took advantage of her popularity and began to license her name. Fragrances were already being offered by Jil Sander with her first launched in 1979. Able to work out a deal with the owner of Lancaster Cosmetics, Sander ran ads in the most popular magazines featuring her wares—perfumes included. Perfume.com features Jil by Jil Sander, oriental woody perfume for women. Introduced in 1997 Jil is very much like her fashions—understated and sophisticated and featuring the most delicate of florals.