Does Prada Still Own Jil Sander?

There has been some confusion in the fashion industry regarding the ownership of Jil Sander. Many fashion enthusiasts are curious to know whether Prada still owns the brand or if it has changed hands. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Jil Sander and its current ownership.

History of Jil Sander

Jil Sander is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1968 by the designer Jil Sander herself. The brand quickly gained popularity for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality fabrics. In 1999, Prada Group acquired a controlling stake in Jil Sander AG, which led to the expansion of the brand into other markets, including Asia.

The Departure of Jil Sander

Despite the success of the brand under Prada’s ownership, there were some disagreements between Jil Sander and Prada’s management regarding creative control and direction. This led to Jil Sander leaving her eponymous label in 2000.

Prada’s Continued Ownership

Following Jil Sander’s departure from her brand, Prada continued to own and operate Jil Sander until 2006 when they sold it to private equity firm Change Capital Partners. Change Capital Partners then sold it to Japanese apparel group Onward Holdings Co., Ltd in 2008.

Current Ownership

As of today, Onward Holdings Co., Ltd continues to own and operate Jil Sander. The brand has undergone several changes since its acquisition by Onward Holdings Co., Ltd., including creative director appointments and store expansions.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while Prada did previously own Jil Sander for several years, they no longer have any affiliation with the luxury fashion label. The current owner is Onward Holdings Co., Ltd, a Japanese apparel group that has continued to expand the brand’s reach and influence in the fashion industry.

If you’re a fan of Jil Sander, you can rest assured that the brand is still in capable hands and will continue to produce the minimalist and high-quality designs that made it famous.