Sander, Jil (1943–)

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Sander, Jil (1943–)

German fashion designer. Name variations: Heidi Sander. Born Heidemarie Jiline Sander, Nov 27, 1943, in Wesselburen, Germany; dau. of Walker and Erna-Anna Sander.

Studied textile engineering in Krefeld for 2 years; began career as a editor for fashion magazines, Constanze and Petra (1963); opened her 1st boutique in Hamburg (1968); designed the 1st collection under her own label (1973), all in white; a minimalist, her sleek designs are often compared to Bauhaus architecture of the 1920s; began to dress the elite and built and empire; by 1996, had a chain of 54 boutiques worldwide.