Is Jil Sander looking for a new designer?

London - Milan-based fashion house Jil Sander has reportedly been in contact with a number of designers including rising French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus and Lucie Meier from the Dior design team, suggesting that it is looking for a new creative direction.

Rumours are swirling that Jil Sander is looking to part ways with current creative director Rodolfo Paglialunga who assumed the design helm in April 2014, however since showing his first collection for spring/summer 2015 he has received mixed reviews.

Franco Pené, chairman of Gibò Group, a subsidiary of Onward Holdings, which controls Jil Sander, told WWD that Paglialunga is “on board, present and active, and is developing the brand’s fall-winter collection. There are a lot of rumours, but all is proceeding regularly with Rodolfo.”

However, there wasn’t a denial that the fashion house was chatting to new designers, both of which have also declined to comment.

It isn’t surprising that both designers have caught the attention of the Milan-based label, self-taught Simon Porte Jacquemus has been named one of fashions rising stars for his playful collections that have earned him two consecutive nominations for the LVMH Prize. While Lucie Meier was one-half of the design duo that produced Dior’s collections in the interim period between Raf Simons's exit and Maria Grazia Chiuri's arrival.

Given how quickly luxury fashion houses’ cycle though designers lately, there have been upheavals at Marni, Roberto Cavalli, Carven and Brioni, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this was also true.

Image: Jil Sander autumn/winter 2016