Jill Milan is an American fashion brand that specializes in animal-friendly fashion accessories, the majority of which are produced in Italy. The brand has been carried to red carpet events by a number of high-profile Hollywood celebrities."How Jill Milan Got Hollywood in its Clutches", Racked SF, February 10, 2015.
History Founder Jill Fraser, who has been vegan for decades and does not wear any clothing made with animal-derived materials such as leather, fur, wool and silk, conceived the company when she was unable to find luxury-quality handbags that were not made of animal-derived materials.Peaceful Dumpling, April 3, 2015.
Fraser's prior experience includes serving as Chief Marketing Officer for a venture-backed online ad network serving the luxury space. She also founded and served as President of soft drink company Virgil's Root Beer."English Root Beer Triumphs In The Colonies", Chicago Tribune, January 12, 1995. Fraser holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of OxfordPeaceful Dumpling, April 3, 2015 and is a member of Mensa International."Today on The Marilu Henner Show," October 17th, 2013 She founded Jill Milan with partner Milan Lazich, who had been part of management teams which took two Silicon Valley software companies public via IPOs on Nasdaq, most recently as a vice president at Magma Design Automation."Securities and Exchange Commission Form S-1, Amendment No. 7, November 19, 2001 (p. 49).
Products Jill Milan launched the brand in 2011 with a line of handbags."Cruelty-free Fashion Brand Jill Milan Launches Fall 2011 Collection", One Green Planet. Items include: Art Deco Clutch, a stainless steel bag carried by celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence and Eva Longoria."Top 5 Metal Plate Clutches: Shiny New Toys", Bag Snob, April 10, 2013. 450 Sutter, a cylindrical stainless steel clutch. It was carried by Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt to a Golden Globe party."Awards Season", Mr. Brad Goreski, March 21, 2015. In August 2015, the company announced it would introduce a line of vegan coats and jackets designed in collaboration with celebrity stylist Laura Spinella."Laura Spinella Collaborates With Jill Milan", Celebrity Intelligence, August 7, 2015.
Celebrities The brand has been carried to red carpet events by a number of high-profile Hollywood celebrities."How Jill Milan Got Hollywood in its Clutches," Racked SF, February 10, 2015 Actresses who have carried Jill Milan bags include: Anne Hathaway: The Academy Award winner has carried Jill Milan to a number of premieres and other events, including Les Miserables premieres."The Buzz", SF Gate, December 23, 2012. Rashida Jones: The Office actress carried Jill Milan to the Golden Globe Awards., EcoRazzi, January 14, 2014. Jennifer Lawrence: Academy Award winner carried Jill Milan to multiple events, including the 13th Annual AFI Awards Luncheon."Jennifer Lawrence Does A Double Take In Prabal Gurung" , PerezHilton.com, January 11, 2013. Eva Longoria: Carried Jill Milan to multiple events, including the Desperate Housewives closing party.Vegetarian Star, May 22, 2012. Hailee Steinfeld: The Academy Award-nominated actress carried Jill Milan to multiple events, including the MTV Video Music Awards.Los Angeles Confidential, August 31, 2015. Kerry Washington: The star of television's Scandal carried Jill Milan to the premiere of her film Django Unchained."The Many Bags of Kerry Washington", Purse Blog, February 28, 2013.
In fashion media W Magazine’s "Most Wanted" feature has included Jill Milan's Art Deco Clutch,, April 2012, p. 46. Holland Park Clutch,, September 2012, p. 406. and Octagon Clutch., October 2013, p. 60.
The Zoe Report profiled Jill Milan's Newbury Street Portfolio, calling it "Ready to go from the office to cocktail hour in the city."
In popular media On the television show Gossip Girl, Elizabeth Hurley’s Diana Payne character carried Jill Milan bags in multiple episodes in Season 5."Spotted Handbags on the Set of Gossip Girl", FuseInk.
Jill Fraser is often interviewed on fashion, especially vegan fashion, including a discussion on The Marilu Henner Show with Marilu Henner., October 17, 2013.
Philanthropy The company's support of non-profit organizations that work on behalf of animal welfare includes sponsorship of the Genesis Awards, a production of The Humane Society of the United States to honor members of the media and entertainment industries for works promoting animal welfare."The Humane Society of the United States – Jill Milan Luxury Vegan Handbags", Brooklyn-Bliss. Jill Milan also dedicates a portion of sales from certain products to Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, an all-volunteer charity which rescues thoroughbred horses from slaughter, neglect and abuse.Cocktails and Quinoa , November 5, 2014.
References
External links
Humane Society of the U.S. List of Fur-Free Retailers, Designers and Brands