The word “minimalism” has, for decades, been synonymous with one name: Jil Sander. She is credited as the original “master of minimalism,” an influential designer whose artistic legacy has had a seismic impact on the fashion industry. An innovative and influential artist, Sander has established a body of work that will never be forgotten. Here, we take a look back at the incredible life and work of Jil Sander, an icon of minimalism.
1. The Lasting Impression of Jil Sander
Fashion has long been a form of expression, with some of the most iconic designers being those who have changed the game, pushed boundaries and left behind a lasting impression. Jil Sander is certainly one of those designers, having made a memorable mark in the industry – one that upholds even today.
- The Timeless Tailoring – Jil Sander was instrumental in creating the concept of minimalist fashion, managing to design clothing with a simple approach but still making it timeless and fashionable. In the ’90s, she debuted masculine-influenced suiting with elongated jackets and boxy cuts, craftsman-inspired dresses with high-neck collars and precise detailing. Her minimalist approach prevails until today.
. - The Bold and the Impractical – Sander has also experimented with controversial or impractical designs, like wearing shorts with a blazer for a winter outing, something many deem as ridiculous. Royal blue and fluorescent yellow leather dresses, fur-trimmed coats, all the offerings were bold and oftentimes impractical. Despite that, her designs made people realise the power of expression through fashion.
- The Signature Look – Throughout the decades, Jil Sander has continued to remain true to her minimalist aesthetic, even now as she continues designing for Uniqlo. The fashion house’s signature look is one of modern simplicity, and Jil Sander’s latest collections present a blend of contemporary classics with an understated palette of earthy tones, greys and navy.
Jil Sander’s longstanding impression is certainly undeniable, as the designer has created her own mark in the industry. Her embrace of timeless, minimalist aesthetics has allowed the brand to remain relevant for decades, staying true to her signature look and boldness.
2. Examining the Principles of Minimalism
Minimalism is a popular design aesthetic that embraces simplicity, thoughtful design without excess, and embraces the idea of ‘less is more’. One of the core principles of minimalist design is that of form following function, what this means is that design elements should be focussed around function and not only visual appeal. This helps to create cleaner designs that are focussed on delivering an efficient user experience. Secondly, minimalist design should also embrace the idea of ‘constraint’, meaning there should be limitations on how the design can be presented. This could mean a limited colour palette, a single font, and an uncluttered design that only features the vital elements to offer clarity.
Most importantly a minimalist design needs to be aesthetically pleasing, but should also be focussed around the purpose, message, and story the user is trying to get across, as well as ensuring that the overall experience within the design is not hindered by an overwhelming number of elements. A minimalist design should feel effortless, almost invisible, providing an efficient and pleasant experience for the user without compromising usability.
- Avoid Unnecessary Decoration: It is important that the design does not feature any unnecessary decorative elements that compromise usability.
- Keep It Uncluttered: It is important to keep your design uncluttered and focussed, allowing users to quickly and easily find what they are looking for.
- Use Careful Typography: It is essential to select typefaces that are legible and easy to read, allowing the user to scan the content quickly for the information they are looking for.
Lastly, your design should utilise white space to your advantage, using it to direct attention to the most important elements. This will help to create a design that offers clarity and makes for an effortless user experience.
3. Exploring the Jil Sander Legacy
Ever since Jil Sander first burst onto the fashion scene in the late 1970s, she has established a legacy that has left an ever-lasting impact on the world of fashion and design.
Design Aesthetic
Known for her minimalism, Jil Sander has always favored clean lines, fluid silhouettes and neutral colors. She was a key figure in the ‘unisex’ movement of the 1980s which focused on androgynous clothing that could be worn by men and women alike, often characterized by a lack of bold colors or exaggerated shapes.
Textiles and Materials
Jil Sander’s fabrics were always of the highest standard – from her use of luxurious suede to supple wool, leather and cashmere. Her designs celebrated natural materials; she favored fabrics that looked and felt like the highest quality, encouraging a classic style and timeless look.
Uncompromising Vision
Jil Sander’s approach to design was incredibly precise; from her choice of fabric to her tailoring, no details went unnoticed. This precision was a reflection of her own uncompromising vision; she was often quoted as saying “there is no such thing as perfection, only higher standards.”
Modernism
The combination of her daring approach to design and her use of complex materials to create modernist silhouettes meant that Jil Sander’s style was always ahead of its time. Her designs are now considered classic examples of modernist fashion and continue to influence designers today.
- Design Aesthetic
- Textiles and Materials
- Uncompromising Vision
- Modernism
4. Redefining the Meaning of Style and Substance
Style and substance often seem to be at odds with each other. One is impractical and sometimes shallow, the other is usually more mature and serious. It’s time to throw out this outdated notion. Redefining style and substance is all about mixing together the best of both worlds.
We can start by considering fashion. It’s no longer “in” to be uptight when it comes to clothing. People today are jazzing up their outfits while still keeping things tasteful. There is no wrong way to express yourself, as long as you add something of value.
Next, let’s take a look at art. Art can be both stylish and soulful. It doesn’t have to take on one form or the other. There isn’t one type of art that is better than the other. All art has something to offer and it’s worth exploring and appreciating both the style and substance of art.
Finally, there are relationships. Relationships take effort to maintain and this is especially true when it comes to romantic relationships. A strong relationship is built on trust, communication and the ability to be both elegant and practical. It also doesn’t hurt to have a little style in your relationship. So go ahead and redefine the meaning of style and substance in your relationships.
- Fashion: You can express yourself and add something of value.
- Art: Art can be both stylish and soulful.
- Relationships: Strengthening relationships is built on trust, communication and the ability to be both elegant and practical.
The fashion world owes a great debt to Jil Sander, a designer whose commitment to minimalism has revolutionized fashion and left a lasting and incomparable impact. For decades, Jil Sander has brought a timeless elegance to her designs, inspiring generations of designers to come and ensuring her legacy is safe for eternity. Now and always, may Jil Sander be remembered as the master of minimalism.