Jil Sander’s Fall Winter 2025-26 show at Milan Fashion Week may have marked the end of an era. Backstage, the emotional atmosphere, filled with tears, hugs, and heartfelt farewells, seemed to confirm speculation that Luke and Lucie Meier are leaving Jil Sander. Renzo Rosso, chairman of OTB, the parent company of Jil Sander, was on hand to personally thank the duo, presenting them with flowers in recognition of their successful tenure. While neither the brand nor the designers have made an official announcement, the farewell gestures strongly suggest this was their final show for the house.
The Meiers took over as creative directors of Jil Sander in 2017, marking a new chapter for the brand after a series of leadership changes. Known for their precise tailoring, experimental textures, and understated elegance, they redefined Jil Sander’s minimalist ethos without compromising its identity. Their collections often blended structured silhouettes with softer, almost poetic draping, while their use of natural dyes, intricate handcrafting, and sculptural layering set them apart. Under their direction, the label found renewed relevance, bridging the gap between artful design and the growing demand for ‘quiet luxury.’
With Luke and Lucie Meier leaving Jil Sander, speculation has turned to who will take the reins next. According to well-placed sources in Milan, Jil Sander is in advanced talks to appoint Daniel Lee as its new creative director. The British designer, best known for his transformative tenure at Bottega Veneta, is currently at Burberry, where he has sought to revitalize the house’s heritage codes. If confirmed, Lee’s arrival at Jil Sander would signal a significant shift, potentially steering the brand toward a more structured yet highly textural approach, much like the aesthetic he developed at Bottega.
For now, the industry awaits an official confirmation, but one thing is certain: Jil Sander is on the brink of another major transformation. Whether Lee takes the helm or another creative force emerges, the brand faces the challenge of maintaining the balance between modern innovation and the purity that has defined it for decades. Luke and Lucie Meier Leaving Jil Sander
