I wasn’t old enough to appreciate designer Jil Sander during her peak in the mid to late 90s as the go to designer for androgynous pantsuits, military-inspired jackets, crisp collars shirts, ultra lux fabrics like cashmere, silks that felt like butter on the skin or those futuristic materials that were so popular among designers like Garreth Pugh in the 90s. I caught on to Jil Sander the label about five years ago during my fashion feeding frenzy. When Raf Simmons took over as design head at the house that Jil Sander built.
Fast forward a decade, the name behind the legendary brand is staging a comeback with the help of urban street style brand Uniqlo. Come October, fashionistas will learn what made Jil Sander a powerhouse back in her heyday when her +J collection drops in stores. The collection is uniquely Jil Sander, with her staple androgynous jackets, crisp button ups, a neutral palette of grays, blacks, whites and a pop of color with egg plant. The +J collection for Uniqlo is a testament to what the designer can do with an economical label. Each piece is well priced from $19.50 for a stretch t-shirt to $149.00 for a finely tailored Chesterfield coat.
I am getting excited just thinking about all the pieces I want to snag for my fall wardrobe. The cuffed trousers remind me of Sienna Miller and the blazer with collar straps will be perfect for bundling up in the fall. She might not be showing at fashion week but I have uber respect for Jil Sander and her attempt to bring a collection of chic and affordable pieces to the masses, especially in these tough economic times.
You are probably at the edge of your seat right now wondering exactly when you can snag some of the pieces from the collection. Well don’t fret. Come October 1, Uniqlo will release the +J collection in the U.S. and UK and October 2 in Asia. Now don’t you just feel a bit more at ease? You don’t have to wait that long for a preview of the collection. The Cut got a sneak peak and snapped a few photos. Fashion photographer David Sims shot the +J collection for Uniqlo featuring model Isabeli Fontana.
The website is already up and features the advertising campaign as well as prices for each item in the collection for both men and women. Jil Sander devotees might feel inclined to sample her lower priced collection while Uniqlo lovers will surely appreciate the upgrade in style. As the campaign states:
Open the Future
Luxury will be simplicity.
Purity in design. Beauty and comfort for all.
Quality for the People.
Basics are the common language.
The future is here: +J.
