Type Private Company Headquarters United States Website JillMilan.com | Founded 2010 Products Apparel, Accessories | |
Key people Jill Fraser, Founder and CEO | ||
Jill Milan is an American fashion brand which 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, and Jill Milan was named “Vegan Business of the Year” in 2013 by Vegans are Cool.
Contents
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.
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. Fraser holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oxford and is a member of Mensa International. 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.
Products
Jill Milan launched the brand in 2011 with a line of handbags. Items include:
In August 2015 the company announced it would introduce a line of vegan coats and jackets designed in collaboration with celebrity stylist Laura Spinella.
Celebrities
The brand has been carried to red carpet events by a number of high-profile Hollywood celebrities. Actresses who have carried Jill Milan bags include:
In Fashion Media
W Magazine’s “Most Wanted” feature has included Jill Milan’s Art Deco Clutch, Holland Park Clutch and Octagon Clutch.
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.
Jill Fraser is often interviewed on fashion, especially vegan fashion, including a discussion on The Marilu Henner Show with Marilu Henner.
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.
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.