The brand was established by German-born female designer "Jil Sander." After graduating from university, she gained experience as a fashion journalist for women's magazines in New York. She then returned to her home country and opened a boutique in 1968, initially selling clothes from brands like Sonia Rykiel, along with her own designs. She debuted at the Paris prêt-à-porter collection in 1973. In 1980, she withdrew from Paris and moved her activities to Milan in 1985, participating in the Milan collection in 1987. In 1999, she was acquired by Prada, and Jil herself resigned as designer in 2000. Although she returned as a designer in 2003, she resigned again in 2004 due to discord with Prada. Since 2005, Raf Simons has served as the creative designer. After Raf Simons resigned following the Fall/Winter 2012 collection, Jil Sander returned as the successor. In Spring/Summer 2011, a new line, "Jil Sander Navy," was launched. In August 2012, the world's first flagship store opened in Aoyama, Tokyo.