After this Saturday's Jil Sander show in Paris, WWD is reporting that Raf Simons, the current Creative Director, will leave to make room for Jil Sander, the founder of the brand who left in 2000 and again in 2004. Under Raf's leadership, the Jil Sander brand has become mega-successful both in financing and brand identity, turning profits for the first time since 2001, and creating massive hype for hard-to-pull-off minimalist shoes, accessories, and separates. Jil Sander recently ended her capsule collection run at Uniqlo under unexplained circumstances, and now we know why. No word yet on whether Raf is headed to Dior (though it's reported that he's still in talks to helm the house). What's next — Helmut Lang back to Helmut Lang? Johan Lindeberg back to J. Lindeberg? Coco Chanel back to... well, maybe not that last one. (WWD)
Photo: Courtesy of Jil Sander
