“Today” as Perceived by Designer Jil Sander

The new +J is offering a full lineup for 2020 Fall & Winter and 2021 Spring & Summer. Could you tell us about the look you’re hoping to achieve, and share your thoughts about the colour palette for the Spring & Summer collection?

In the +J 2021 Spring & Summer collection, I am aiming for quiet optimism. The colours are beautiful but understated, classy and of great clarity. I continue to look for quality, also in textile innovation. The overall idea is sophistication, a kind of purity that lets us think of regeneration and a fresh start.

How does +J define the “modern uniform?”

The modern uniform should be a versatile basic wardrobe adaptable to every climate, which is quite a challenge to design. It should have the power to bring people closer to each other in sharing the contemporary moment with all the problems that need to be solved.

A new spring is on its way. How have these changing times influenced your design process for this collection?

It’s always nice to look forward to the spring season, especially so in the current crisis. It will be a blessing to enjoy the breezes, the air and the sun, to feel energised and light. I was looking forward to all these things when we developed the collection.

In Fall 2020, we opened in Hamburg, our tenth store in Germany. How has UNIQLO been received by the community?

We observed an almost frenetic interest in the new UNIQLO Store. It is situated in the middle of the old town in Hamburg, right next to the town hall.

Tell us about the selvedge jeans debuting this collection.

These pants use Japanese selvedge denim. It’s a product we believe in, that belongs to our vision of long lasting quality, careful details and craftsmanship. Selvedge denim is produced on classic shuttle looms and has a tightly woven texture which doesn’t unravel and keeps its shape. Selvedge jeans, if all the details are right, can be collector’s pieces.

In your view, how have you been able to capture the hearts of so many people with your fashion for so many years?

Maybe the simple fact that I always followed the same vision: to make people feel happy and strong. In opposing waste, we may have been ahead of social developments. The quest for quality, sophisticated understatement, sculptured forms and innovative materials led to designs that feel right in the modern world with its many challenges and the need to be fully present.

Lastly, what’s the key to staying healthy?

Positivity. Never hesitate in realising your creative dreams.