Lucie and Luke Meier, the designer couple who studied at Polimoda in Florence and ran the German fashion brand Jil Sander from 2017 to 2025, have decided to return to the Florentine school. Twenty-five years after they met in Florence, the two creative directors will support the students of the bachelor’s degree in fashion design in the development of their final collections.
“Returning to Florence, to Polimoda, has a special meaning for us,” said the duo in a statement. “Today’s world is dynamic, complex and constantly changing. Creativity is essential to moving us all forward. We hope to inspire and mentor the creative talents we will have the privilege of working with.”
The Meiers’ mentorship comes at a strategic time for Polimoda. The school is celebrating its 40th anniversary and has appointed a new president, Niccolò Ricci, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stefano Ricci SpA.
The Meiers will work with director Massimiliano Giornetti, design department consultant An Vandevorst, and faculty. This team of fashion professionals will guide students in the development of their final collections. The process includes everything from conception and material research to defining the creative identity and technical implementation. The journey ends in June, when a selection of the best collections will be presented at the Polimoda Graduate Show 2026.
“Exactly this week, the Meiers are meeting the 59 students from 30 different nations for the first time. This marks the beginning of a journey in which they will guide the young, aspiring talents through the different phases of the creative process. It is a circle that closes and at the same time opens again, celebrating their professional careers together with Polimoda’s 40th anniversary,” Polimoda’s management explained in the statement.
In 2001, the Canadian Luke Meier and the Swiss Lucie Meier met at Polimoda. He took part in the men’s tailoring exchange program at the Florentine school with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from New York. She studied fashion marketing at the University of Florence.
After building remarkable individual careers, the two reunited professionally. Luke worked in luxury menswear and streetwear, Lucie worked in haute couture at French fashion houses Dior, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. They became creative directors of Jil Sander, a position they held from 2017 to 2025. During these years they redefined the aesthetics of the brand. Their approach was based on design integrity and craftsmanship precision.
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