Jil Sander Appoints Simone Bellotti as New Creative Director

Jil Sander appointed Simone Bellotti as its new creative director on Monday, marking a fresh chapter for the storied fashion house. Bellotti steps into the role following the recent departure of Luke and Lucie Meier, who led the brand for eight years.

“I am incredibly honored to join Jil Sander, a historic Maison that has shaped a new aesthetic with its unique approach and strong identity, profoundly influencing the design community,” Bellotti said in a statement. The Italian designer takes the reins after a brief but impactful tenure as creative director of Bally, where he succeeded Rhuigi Villaseñor in 2023. His first collection for Jil Sander is set to debut this fall.

Born in Giussano, Lombardy, in 1978, Bellotti has built a career spanning some of the industry's most renowned houses. He launched his journey in 2001 as an assistant designer for AF Vandervorst in Antwerp before returning to Italy to work on Gianfranco Ferré’s menswear line. His expertise deepened through roles at Bottega Veneta and Dolce & Gabbana, leading him to Gucci in 2007. There, he contributed under both Frida Giannini and Alessandro Michele, helping shape the brand’s modern identity.

"Simone embarks on this journey with a wealth of experience and distinctive talent," said Renzo Rosso, president of the OTB Group that owns Jil Sander, in addition to Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni, and Viktor & Rolf. "In the time spent together, we have shared the strategic vision and mission for Jil Sander, as well as the values of innovation and refinement that make the brand iconic and unique.”

With Bellotti now at the creative helm, anticipation is high for his vision at Jil Sander. The new creative director's extensive experience in tailoring and craftsmanship positions him as a natural fit to carry the brand’s legacy forward while infusing it with a fresh perspective. The everlasting game of creative director musical chairs continues on.