Jill Milan
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Jill Fraser |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Cruelty-free handbags and accessories |
Jill Milan is a United States-based fashion label that focuses on cruelty-free accessories, with most of its products crafted in Italy. The brand has gained visibility on red carpets, favored by numerous prominent Hollywood figures.
History
The company was established by Jill Fraser, a long-time vegan who avoids wearing any apparel made from animal-derived materials such as leather, fur, wool, or silk. Fraser founded the brand after struggling to find luxury handbags that aligned with her ethical standards.
Before launching Jill Milan, Fraser held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at a venture-backed online advertising network targeting the luxury market. She also founded and led the soft drink enterprise Virgil's Root Beer as its President. Fraser earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oxford and is affiliated with Mensa International. Partnering with Fraser was Milan Lazich, whose background includes executive roles in two Silicon Valley software companies that went public on Nasdaq, most recently serving as vice president at Magma Design Automation.
Products
The Jill Milan brand debuted in 2011 featuring a collection of handbags. Its product range includes:
- Art Deco Clutch – a stainless steel handbag favored by celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, and Eva Longoria.
- 450 Sutter – a cylindrical clutch made of stainless steel, notably carried by Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt at a Golden Globe event.
- Pacific Heights Clutch – chosen by Eva Longoria for the 2012 Presidential Inauguration.
In August 2015, Jill Milan announced plans to expand into vegan outerwear with a new collection of coats and jackets designed in collaboration with celebrity stylist Laura Spinella.
Celebrities
Numerous prominent Hollywood figures have showcased the brand at various red carpet occasions. Actresses who have been seen with Jill Milan bags include:
- Anne Hathaway: This Academy Award-winning actress has been spotted with Jill Milan accessories at several premieres and special events, notably during the Les Miserables premieres.
- Rashida Jones: Known for her role in The Office, she carried a Jill Milan bag to the Golden Globe Awards.
- Jennifer Lawrence: The Oscar-winning star has chosen Jill Milan for a variety of appearances, including the 13th Annual AFI Awards Luncheon.
- Eva Longoria: She has been photographed with Jill Milan pieces at multiple events, such as the finale party for Desperate Housewives.
- Hailee Steinfeld: The actress, nominated for an Academy Award, has carried Jill Milan bags to numerous occasions, including the MTV Video Music Awards.
- Kerry Washington: The lead of Scandal was seen with Jill Milan at the premiere of her film Django Unchained.
In fashion media
Jill Milan's designs have been featured in W Magazine’s "Most Wanted" selections, highlighting pieces such as the Art Deco Clutch, Holland Park Clutch, and Octagon Clutch across various issues.
Additionally, The Zoe Report spotlighted the Newbury Street Portfolio from Jill Milan, describing it as an ideal accessory "Ready to go from the office to cocktail hour in the city."
In popular media
Throughout several episodes in Season 5 of the television series Gossip Girl, the character Diana Payne, portrayed by Elizabeth Hurley, was frequently seen carrying Jill Milan handbags.
Jill Fraser regularly participates in interviews focused on fashion, with an emphasis on vegan styles, including a notable conversation on The Marilu Henner Show alongside Marilu Henner.
Philanthropy
The brand actively contributes to charitable organizations dedicated to animal welfare, notably sponsoring the Genesis Awards. These awards, organized by The Humane Society of the United States, recognize media and entertainment figures who highlight animal welfare issues.
Additionally, Jill Milan allocates a portion of proceeds from select products to Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, a volunteer-run organization committed to saving thoroughbred horses from neglect, abuse, and slaughter.