In the world of fashion, there are moments that rewrite history. Simone Bellotti's debut as creative director of Jil Sander is one such moment. After eight years of silence, the legendary fashion house has returned home to its historic headquarters opposite the Sforzesco Castle to present its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which will mark a new chapter in the annals of contemporary elegance.

The snow-white walls of Jil Sander's childhood home framed a winding path&mdash;a metaphor for the journey between eras. The electronic sounds of Bochum Welt created the soundtrack for a visual exploration of aesthetics, where the purity of lines takes on a new dimension of depth.
Bellotti makes no secret of his desire for &ldquo;knowledge and discovery,&rdquo; exploring the potential of aesthetics that challenge the boundaries of perfection. His debut is a delicate surgical extraction of the brand's DNA and its reincarnation in a contemporary context.

The show was opened by Gwinever Van Sinus, the face of the brand, who embodied the new philosophy in blue merino knitwear paired with a white pencil skirt, leggings, and pointed-toe oxfords. This look set the tone for the entire collection: the concept of subtraction, which has always been a cornerstone of Sander's philosophy, was reinterpreted through the prism of contrasts between austerity and lightness, control and freedom.
The vertical silhouettes of the collection are built on a play of opposites: impeccable tailoring is interrupted by folds, asymmetrical cuts, and uneven hems that bring a sense of movement and transformation. This is not static beauty, but the living architecture of the body.
One of Bellotti's boldest decisions was to create a dialogue between men's and women's wardrobes. The boundaries are blurred not only in the silhouettes, but also in the choice of materials: leather, double-sided wool, georgette, and technical fabrics create invisible but powerful armor for the modern person.
The color palette follows the same logic of contrasts: neutral tones and dusty pastels are replaced by saturated shades, creating color blocks and emotional tension that pulsates throughout the collection.

The decor is kept to a minimum&mdash;only one print with small red poppies serves as the sole concession to ornamentation. But the accessories speak louder than words: unconventional oxfords with square toes and multifunctional bags emphasize attention to detail and the search for aesthetic functionality without compromise.
What may seem like a return to updated minimalism is actually much more complex. The collection remains ascetic, but not static. It is an authoritative story about the modern man and woman of Jil Sander, who understands that true luxury lies in perfection, and perfection is born from the courage to be yourself.

Simone Bellotti transforms Jil Sander's legacy into a manifesto for the future

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