DALLAS, May 22, 2003/ FW/ --- After three years of being away, Jil Sander returns home. The Queen of German Fashion is reclaiming her throne and her crown.

And this time, not only will she serve as Head of Jil Sander AG, but she will also sit on the Strategic Committee of PRADA Holding N.V.

The official statement issued last Tuesday in Hamburg said "Jil Sander will return to the company she founded, Jil Sander AG, with immediate effect."

Known for her unique style of 'luxurious minimalism', the designer's decision to work again in the fashion industry is welcome news to a lot of industry insiders.

In a very challenging retail environment plagued by geopolitical tension and SARs, the demand for luxury goods has not been optimal.

Jil Sander, who is nicknamed the Queen of German Fashion and known for her 'luxurious minimalism' style has always been described by fashion editors as 'giving a sanity in fashion.'

Her return will surely provide excitement during the upcoming fashion season which officially starts next month with the opening of the Milan Menswear Show.

Ms. Sander left the company she founded in 2000, eight months after Prada's takeover of the company. The reason given for her depature was described as 'irreconcilable differences' between Ms. Sander and Patrizio Bertelli, PRADA Chief Executive Officer.

Time does heal all wounds. And in a leap of faith, this editor will describe Ms. Sander's return as 'a victory for fashion.' Because after everything has been said and done, 'the love for fashion' won.

In the official announcement, Ms. Sander said, "I deeply welcome this development which is positive for both sides."

"I'm looking forward to carrying on with my work to perfect the creative Jil Sander concept, which will guarantee a future for Jil Sander AG, the company I founded," she added.

Her additional position as part of the Strategic Committee of PRADA Holding N.V. where, together with Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada, she will be at the helm of the Prada Group charting its direction.

"I'm delighted that Jil has made this important decision," said Patrizio Bertelli in the official statement.

"I am sure that she will find in the company the motivation and the resources necessary to enable her to express her ideas and creativity. I am also sure that the company's results will benefit from this decision while also taking into consideration the important investments made in the past few years," Mr. Bertelli added.

Miuccia Prada echoed her husband's sentiment. "It's natural that Ms. Sander returns to the company which she founded and which bears her name. I'm thrilled to welcome her back," Ms. Prada said on the company release.

At the end of 2002, Jil Sander AG, posted annual revenues of 138.8 million Euro, distributed through nearly 20 directly owned stores and 16 franchising stores.

The distribution of Jil Sander products also includes a network of about 350 independent clients, 12 department stores with 38 doors, for a total of over 385 points of sale, the company said in the same release.