Simone Bellotti becomes Jil Sander's new creative director

The change of creative director positions in the fashion industry is like a continuous music chair game, which can always bring new topics and expectations to the industry. Jil Sander and his parent company OTB Group officially announced this morning that Simone Bellotti will take over as the brand’s new creative director in an instant, opening a new chapter for this brand known for its minimalism.

As early as January this year, WWD reported that Jil Sander may usher in personnel changes, and the news of Luke and Lucie Meier's resignation was confirmed at the finale of Milan Fashion Week's 2025 autumn and winter collection. The show became the farewell work of the two after eight years of playing for the brand, and also preludes Jil Sander's current transformation.

The addition of Simone Bellotti is undoubtedly an important change for the brand. Before taking over Jil Sander, the designer took over as Bally’s creative director in May 2023, replacing Rhuigi Villaseñor, and earlier, his trajectory in the fashion industry was equally dazzling. Before joining Bally, he served in Gucci for 16 years and held senior design positions at well-known brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and Gianfranco Ferré, amassing extensive experience and creative vision.

Speaking about Bellotti’s appointment, Renzo Rosso, Chairman of OTB Group, said: “Simone has extensive experience and unique talent, and in this journey we share Jil Sander’s strategic vision and mission, as well as the values ​​of driving innovation and elegance, which make it an iconic and unique brand.”

It is worth noting that Bellotti's appointment is just as Jil Sander enters the stage of change. The brand’s parent company OTB Group has also made important adjustments recently, including the appointment of former Fendi Chairman and CEO Serge Brunschwig as OTB’s Chief Strategy Officer. This series of high-level changes not only reflects the brand's re-examination of its strategic layout, but also highlights its ambitions in the competition in the global luxury market.

In his induction statement, Simone Bellotti said: “It is a great honor to join Jil Sander, a historical brand that creates a new aesthetic with a unique approach and a distinct identity, and has a significant impact on the design community. I am very grateful for Renzo's trust and look forward to helping to realize the brand's full potential.” This remark also expresses Bellotti's recognition of the brand's unique aesthetics and his positive attitude towards future challenges.

Bellotti's rich resume and creative abilities undoubtedly injected new energy into Jil Sander. Under his leadership, whether this brand, which is known for its minimalist style, can find a new balance between tradition and innovation is worth the industry's expectations.