BagExchange.com

After much turmoil at the level of operations, which quickly trickled down to design, it appears that Jil Sander has found its voice again since being freed in 2007 from the grasp of the Prada Group. Now, at the helm led by head designer Raf Simons, there is a noticeable surge of productivity in the accessories (handbags and shoes) division. The calling card, as evident in its heyday of the 1990s, is understated and streamlined designs culled in luxurious fabrics. Silhouettes become primarily as embellishments fall by the wayside, which makes it imperative for the use of high-end fabrics and workmanship. Ironically, without the whizbangs, I find that there is something intoxicating and immediate about the designs despite its roots in reductivism or minimalism. While I fancy some surface decor (so I can let my natural tendency to wander propagate), the obvious attention is diverted to the form– the main dish, the here and now, the raison d’etre.

Starting from left–

• Jil Sander, Small Pillow Shoulder Bag in Black, padded leather two handle sac with heavy self-piping trim, magnetic snap close, fabric lined interior with leather-trimmed side zip pocket and two organizational pockets, 8″ x 11.5″ x 4.5″, 6″ handle drop, $870, @ Barneys NY.
• Jil Sander, Woven Leather Sac in Black, large shiny leather sac with top zip, woven bottom and knotted leather handles, fabric lined interior with leather-trimmed side zipper pocket and two organizational pockets, 11.5″ x 16″ x 4″, 7″ handle drop, $1,650, @ Barneys NY.
• Jil Sander, Two Handle Tote in Parchment, nappa leather tote with rolled leather handles, center fabric lined zipper compartment with leather-trimmed side zip pocket and two organizational pockets, two large fabric lined compartments on either side with magnetic snap close,10.5″ x 14.5″ x 5.5″, 7″ strap drop, $1,500, @ Barneys NY.
• Jil Sander, Punched Sac in Red, leather sac with woven bottom and knotted leather handles, magnetic snap close and reinforced base, fabric lined interior with leather-trimmed side zip pocket and two organizational pockets, 16.5″ x 14.5″ x 8″ (at base), 5″ handle drop, $3,950, @ Barneys NY.

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