A German fashion designer from Hamburg, Jil Sander, opened her first boutique in 1968 selling her pieces along side big name designers, like Therry Mugier and Sonia Rykiel. Her no non-sense style monochrome silk dresses and austere suits help her establish a cult following. Her success didn't blossom until the early nineties when minimalism had a strong come back in the fashion world. In 1999 the Prada Group bought 75% of the shares in the label and six months later Ms. Sander resigned after disputes about using cheaper materials and fabrics suggested by CEO of the Prada Group. The label drowned without her and in 2003, Ms. Sander resumed post as head designer and terminated her cooperation with the Prada Group. Then in 2005 she retired to take up her love of gardening and handed the reigns of head designer over to Raf Simmons, who is still with the company today.