In a First for the Brand, the 627-Square-Meter Space Includes an Exhibition Space for Art Installations
Jil Sander has expanded its footprint in Japan with the opening of a flagship store in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Spanning 627 square meters across two floors, the store is now the brand’s largest globally, joining its robust network of 20 sales points in Japan, including the Omotesando flagship and boutiques in Isetan Shinjuku and Hankyu Umeda.
The store reflects the creative vision of design directors Lucie and Luke Meier, blending their commitment to timeless design with sustainable materials. The interior was developed in collaboration with acclaimed architectural firm Casper Mueller Kneer, marking their second project with the brand after London’s Bond Street flagship. “We aim at evoking an emotional experience by creating spaces where you feel at ease, where the first thing you sense is the atmosphere,” the Meiers explained.
The design incorporates natural and re-used materials, featuring monochrome marble, brass architectural elements, and timber accents. Recycled plastic from compact disc cases has been repurposed for furniture, while silver-blue travertine walls and staircases, honed and textural, evoke a geological aesthetic. Floors crafted from stone add to the mineral feel of the space. Lighting plays a crucial role, with soft, natural tones designed to evoke the intimacy of an artist’s studio, balancing structure and discovery.
In a first for the brand, the Ginza flagship includes an exhibition space for art installations. British sculptor Rachel Whiteread’s piece, Bergamo II, is currently on display. “It is a great honour for my work to be exhibited and to become part of the architecture in this beautifully designed flagship store in Ginza,” said Whiteread.
The store offers Jil Sander’s full range of ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, and accessories, alongside exclusive offerings. A Ginza-only capsule collection pays homage to the district’s name—“Gin” meaning silver in Japanese—featuring signature items like The 7 Days Shirt and The Cannolo Bag with silver accents. The location also debuts the brand’s new Fine Jewelry line, showcasing pieces in white and yellow gold, as well as diamonds.
The opening reinforces Jil Sander’s commitment to merging art, design, and fashion, creating spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Architects Marianne Mueller and Olaf Kneer summarized their vision: “We continue to find beauty in materials, common and sometimes overlooked situations, as well as in mineral materials such as stones and marbles, which speak of the Earth’s geological time.”
