Jil Sander on the runway Fall 2004 Milan Menswear Show (file photo)
Jil Sander on the runway Fall 2004 Milan Menswear Show (file photo)

NEW YORK, Mar 19, 2009 / FW/ — Creativity cannot be withheld. German designer Jil Sander, who retired from fashion in 2005, is returning in the fashion arena as a consultant for Japan’s Uniqlo wherein she will supervise the firm’s entire product line sold at its stores worldwide, Fast Retailing Co Ltd, owner of Uniqlo announced Tuesday.

The same statement also confirmed that Uniqlo will also sell original clothing and accessories designed by Jil Sander. Expect about 50 items for women and 15 – 20 items for men created by Jil Sander to be available at Uniqlo’s 765 stores around the world

The formal announcement was made during a press conference held in Tokyo with Jil Sander and President Tadashi Yanai of Fast Retailing in attendance.

“The challenge for me is to establish premium quality in a democratically-priced brand. My passion has always been quality and pureness. Now I’m looking forward to establishing a new value in a new world,” Jil Sander told reporters in Tokyo.

[MARGUERITE SEBASTIAN]
Photo by Giovanni Pucci