Jil Sander: Modern & Distinguished
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jan 18, 2005/ FW/ --- Jil Sander might not be around to take her bow at the end of her eponymous fashion house menswear collection for Fall / Winter 2005, but she is definitely there with the superb cut and tailoring!

The German-born designer left Jil Sander AG last November and this collection was already done before her resignation. And to several fashion journalists, it was a bittersweet experience that came with the realization that this might be the LAST from the prolific design genius.

Sticking to a slim silhouette, Jil Sander chose the traditional colors of fall – black, gray and brown as her main color palette adding innovations such as a three-pocket coat and jacket that are either slanted or the customary vertical placement.

Too bad that these garments will not be available until Fall, because truly, some of the attendees of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies happening this week in Washington D.C. will have a field day in choosing the best looking suit.

The look is very young, with thin ties, plaid shirts and solid whites; perhaps Jil Sander was thinking of both Gen X & Y, the two segments of U.S. demographics who are replacing the buying power of the baby boomers who are on their way to retirement.

It will not be surprising if young Washington interns gobble up this collection! It’s sharp, modernistic yet with a very distinguished look – the combination that the up and coming are looking for.

And as the models took their final bow, one cannot help but let out a sad sigh because the fashion elite is already missing Jil Sander.

Jil Sander

Jil Sander

Jil Sander

Jil Sander