Jil Sander to design for Japan’s Uniqlo

German luxury fashion designer Jil Sander is teaming up with Japan’s no-frills clothing retailer Uniqlo.

Sander, best known for her minimalist creations for executive women – said she will now oversee men’s and women’s apparel at Uniqlo.

Sander, whose eponymous fashion label was bought last year by Japan’s Onward Holdings Corp, will play a creative advisory role at Uniqlo, Fast Retailing officials said.

The Japanese retail operator hopes the move will further boost Uniqlo’s global recognition, which has bucked the recession under the leadership of Forbes-listed chairman Tadashi Yanai.

Sander left her label after it was bought by Italian luxury goods group Prada. London-based investment fund Change Capital acquired the company in 2006 and last year sold it to Onward.

Looks like Uniqlo is trying to compete with H&M and Target. I love Jil Sander. I’m looking forward to finding some great pieces beginning in the fall.