MILAN — How to give minimalism maximum impact is once again the focus of fashion.

The art movement that dominated the 20th century is looking for ways to have an impact on the new millennium, now that its founding features like a fascination with mechanics have been challenged.

Both the digital era and a renewed reverence for the work of human hands have undermined the original Modernist stand. And now that the paintings of Italian futurists are hanging on the walls of the Museo del Novecento in Milan, artists have to find a new way of proclaiming that the future is now.

Jil Sander is the archetypal figure to have reinterpreted mid-century Modernism. Her fashion life has been dedicated to streamlining style and to recognizing the dynamic place of women in society. But where should the designer take that vision now that she has returned to her own label after eight years and a series of stop-go comebacks?

“For us, our culture is to go for beauty, excellence and sensitivity of artisan handwork,” Ms. Sander said after a show that was warmly received as a powerful part of the summer 2013 Milan season.