The Co-Creative Directors Exit the Brand After Seven Years, with a Successor Yet to Be Named
After a significant tenure of seven years, Luke and Lucie Meier are stepping down as co-creative directors of Jil Sander, marking the end of their era at the Milan-based fashion house. The announcement came shortly after their final runway show for the Fall 2025 collection, where they received their last applause in these roles. The couple, who first met as students in 2001, were known for their abstract minimalism and thoughtful engagement with craft, bringing a distinct vision to the brand that resonated with its liberating origins.
OTB Group, which acquired Jil Sander in April 2021 and also owns brands like Diesel and Maison Martin Margiela, did not name a successor. The group’s chairman, Renzo Rosso, expressed gratitude towards the Meiers for their “vision, passion for excellence, and dedication to the brand.” In a heartfelt statement, the Meiers also expressed “their heartfelt gratitude to OTB and the Jil Sander teams who have consistently dedicated their energy, passion, and talent to this project, and are proud of the work they have accomplished alongside such wonderful people,” with a special thanks to Mr. Rosso.
During their time, the Meiers faced continual changes, including the brand’s acquisition and multiple shifts in its executive leadership, with Serge Brunschwig joining as the latest chief executive just last month. This backdrop of change framed their tenure, which stood out in an industry where short stints and rapid turnovers are common. Under their guidance, Jil Sander reported a notable 17.3 percent sales increase in 2023, although specific figures for 2024 were not disclosed, with OTB Group experiencing a slight sales decline overall.
The Meiers’ departure was described as a mutual decision, and their future plans remain undisclosed. Their legacy at Jil Sander includes not only stabilizing the brand but also enhancing its marketability, building on a legacy that began with its founder in 1968 and was later influenced by designers like Raf Simons. The search for a new creative vision under a new leadership now awaits Jil Sander as it moves forward into its next chapter.