Jil Sander SS26: Simone Bellotti Debuts With Armor For Optimists

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Summary

  • Simone Bellotti presented his debut collection for Jil Sander at Piazza Castello, near the brand’s historic headquarters.
  • The collection combined bold color choices with architectural tailoring and minimalist sensibilities — a lighter and refined development from Luke and Lucie Meier’s tenure, which ended this year.

Jil Sander showcased its Spring/Summer 2026 collection on Wednesday in a bright, white space located in the historic Piazza Castello, just steps from the brand’s offices.

Simone Bellotti’s first collection for Jil Sander was a bright departure from the previous, darker designs by Luke and Lucie Meier. Bellotti essentially started fresh, focusing on what he described to *Vogue* as the brand’s fundamental principles: simplicity and authenticity. He aimed to showcase the ‘pure’ and ‘honest’ core of Jil Sander.

The Meier’s signature vibrant patterns and sparkly details are more subtle this season, but Bellotti brings a burst of color with shades like electric blue, bright red, and ultraviolet. These bold hues are grounded by classic Jil Sander neutrals – charcoal gray, off-white, taupe, black, and white – creating a balanced look.

The show began with Jil Sander’s signature clean, structured designs: skirts with geometric panels, sleek suits featuring surprisingly large pockets, and strong coats with broad shoulders and cinched waists. Designer Luke Meier then showcased the brand’s more experimental side with a simple, violet dress featuring a single, prominent crease.

The collection featured diverse pieces – like a metallic silver skirt, a floral plastic dress, and see-through, brightly colored gowns – reflecting the different creative visions of Jil Sander’s past designers. While the styles varied, the collection as a whole maintained a consistent sense of simplicity, elegance, and harmony.

At the start of the year, Luca Bellotti was chosen as the new creative director of Jil Sander, following the departure of the Meiers who had led the brand for nearly ten years. Since taking the role, Bellotti has stressed his dedication to honoring Jil Sander’s original vision, hinting at a fresh direction inspired by the brand’s beginnings in Hamburg.

A collaborative EP with Bochum Welt came out a month before the show, featuring visuals of Hamburg that reminded people of Sander’s beginnings in the city. Interestingly, Bochum Welt’s first release was on Aphex Twin’s Rephlex label in 1994 – the very same year Jil Sander opened its first showroom in Milan, which now serves as the company’s creative and operational center.

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know I’ve been checking out the new Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2026 collection – you can see all the looks over at TopMob. They’re always on top of what’s happening in fashion, so it’s a great place to stay updated!

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2025-09-24 19:56