Marc Jacobs
(1963 - Present)
Biography
Marc Jacobs was born in New York City in 1963. After his father died, when he was only 7 years old, he moved in with his grandmother into the upper west side of Manhattan. This made all the difference in his life. It was while living with his grandmother that Jacobs truly felt at home; well-traveled and educated, her love of aesthetically beautiful things and her appreciation for Jacobs' creative designs helped the grandmother and grandson forge a close relationship (" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com). She was his earliest influence.
At the age of 15, he was attending the High School of Art and Design, as well as having a part time job at an upscale clothing boutique Charivari. The staff of Charivari allowed their young stockboy to design sweaters for the store in between his tasks of folding clothes and dressing mannequins (" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com). This worked helped him land a spot at the coveted Parsons School for Design. It was there where he won both the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and Design Student of the Year at graduation in 1984. After graduating, at the early age of 21, he designed his first collection for the label Sketchbook for Reuben Thomas. His real breakthrough came in 1988 when he became Vice President of design at Perry Ellis. In 1993 Jacobs designed his iconic so-called “grunge collection” that was inspired by the street and music scene in Seattle, Washington. The designers of Perry Ellis thought the collection was a step too far, and that it trampled on the Perry Ellis signature look so he was immediately fired from the company (Polan and Tredre 236). He bounced back three seasons later and started his own label in 1994 (Craven). In 1997 he was named creative director to create a ready to wear line for Louis Vuitton.
Jacobs introduced his secondary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, with a spring 2001 runway show. He has gone on to win seven CFDA awards including Womenswear Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year and Menswear designer of the year (marcjacobs.com). The first multi-brand store in the U.S. opened in August 2004 on Boston’s Newbury Street. In January 2010, Jacobs married boyfriend Lorenzo Martone. Years after his debut as the "boy wonder" of the fashion world, Jacobs' work continues to turn heads. "For some reason, Marc's show is always the most important place to be seen," one fan said, "the one place where you know all the people who matter will be." (" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com)
At the age of 15, he was attending the High School of Art and Design, as well as having a part time job at an upscale clothing boutique Charivari. The staff of Charivari allowed their young stockboy to design sweaters for the store in between his tasks of folding clothes and dressing mannequins (" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com). This worked helped him land a spot at the coveted Parsons School for Design. It was there where he won both the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and Design Student of the Year at graduation in 1984. After graduating, at the early age of 21, he designed his first collection for the label Sketchbook for Reuben Thomas. His real breakthrough came in 1988 when he became Vice President of design at Perry Ellis. In 1993 Jacobs designed his iconic so-called “grunge collection” that was inspired by the street and music scene in Seattle, Washington. The designers of Perry Ellis thought the collection was a step too far, and that it trampled on the Perry Ellis signature look so he was immediately fired from the company (Polan and Tredre 236). He bounced back three seasons later and started his own label in 1994 (Craven). In 1997 he was named creative director to create a ready to wear line for Louis Vuitton.
Jacobs introduced his secondary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, with a spring 2001 runway show. He has gone on to win seven CFDA awards including Womenswear Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year and Menswear designer of the year (marcjacobs.com). The first multi-brand store in the U.S. opened in August 2004 on Boston’s Newbury Street. In January 2010, Jacobs married boyfriend Lorenzo Martone. Years after his debut as the "boy wonder" of the fashion world, Jacobs' work continues to turn heads. "For some reason, Marc's show is always the most important place to be seen," one fan said, "the one place where you know all the people who matter will be." (" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com)
Critical Analysis
Marc Jacob's work reflects the zeitgeist because it was during the MTV era, or the 1980's when he became well known in the fashion world. In his designs, you can clearly see his fascination with music and the pop culture that was during those times. His bright and bold colors are a perfect representation of this. His inspiration came from his own personal label for music, street style and wild textures, and funky prints, which all lead to his incredible collections. There was a time when every celebrity and socialite in America had to have either a quilted Jacobs bag or an LV monogramed bag flung over her shoulder, both of which came from the mind of this one man (WEBLEY). Marc Jacobs believes in wowing the audience and giving them something they don’t expect. His designs reflect this by always doing the unexpected and going that extra mile. As creative director for Louis Vuitton, he has a more sophisticated and luxurious approach in his designs. He describes the Vuitton women to be, an extravert and strong. He’s a big believer in evolution rather than revolution.
Marc Jacobs was influenced by the works of numerous fashion designers. In his latest Spring 2013 collection you can see how Paul Poiret might have inspired him. Walking down the runway is a model in a lampshade silhouette with bright art deco colors. The design looks very much like something Mr. Poiret could have designed if he were still here today. Another one of Marc Jacob’s influences was that of Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel’s signature tweed jacket appeared throughout his Spring 2008 collections along with the ladylike jewelry she made famous (Polan and Tredre 236).
Marc Jacobs is an icon in the fashion world because he never gave up. He was fired from Perry Ellis after creating his “grunge collection, but that did not stop him. He was determined to make something out of his inevitable talent to design. He has won a great deal of awards, and they are all well deserved. What he has done in the past 15 years at Louis Vuitton is incredible. He gave them a ready to wear line that has changed the face of their company. Marc Jacobs is known for changing the course of fashion, and this is why he is an icon.
Marc Jacobs was influenced by the works of numerous fashion designers. In his latest Spring 2013 collection you can see how Paul Poiret might have inspired him. Walking down the runway is a model in a lampshade silhouette with bright art deco colors. The design looks very much like something Mr. Poiret could have designed if he were still here today. Another one of Marc Jacob’s influences was that of Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel’s signature tweed jacket appeared throughout his Spring 2008 collections along with the ladylike jewelry she made famous (Polan and Tredre 236).
Marc Jacobs is an icon in the fashion world because he never gave up. He was fired from Perry Ellis after creating his “grunge collection, but that did not stop him. He was determined to make something out of his inevitable talent to design. He has won a great deal of awards, and they are all well deserved. What he has done in the past 15 years at Louis Vuitton is incredible. He gave them a ready to wear line that has changed the face of their company. Marc Jacobs is known for changing the course of fashion, and this is why he is an icon.
Analysis of Future Trends
Marc Jacobs is easily one of the most influential designers of the modern era, not only because he has followed significant trends, but because he has created them. He’s continually changing and experimenting with different fabrics and new ideas. These elements help make his brand that much better. Even by what he has done at Louis Vuitton shows his versatility and distinction. He sets himself apart from all other designers by creating clothing that is unique and fun.
Marc Jacobs has influenced many young and upcoming designers. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the dynamic duo behind Proenza Schouler, represent “the next generation of American talent” (Horyn). Both of them were greatly influenced by Marc Jacobs’ designs.
Marc Jacobs created the “Stam” quilted frame satchel, which was inspired by the famous Canadian model, Jessica Stam. This bag is definitely one of his lasting signatures. It was a great success and sold out of shelves everywhere.
For this and many other reasons Marc Jacobs is an absolute legend in the fashion world. His works are iconic and I believe we have yet to see many years of him. I own a Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, which I absolutely love. It is my favorite grey sweater and definitely a must go to during fall/winter season.
Marc Jacobs has influenced many young and upcoming designers. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the dynamic duo behind Proenza Schouler, represent “the next generation of American talent” (Horyn). Both of them were greatly influenced by Marc Jacobs’ designs.
Marc Jacobs created the “Stam” quilted frame satchel, which was inspired by the famous Canadian model, Jessica Stam. This bag is definitely one of his lasting signatures. It was a great success and sold out of shelves everywhere.
For this and many other reasons Marc Jacobs is an absolute legend in the fashion world. His works are iconic and I believe we have yet to see many years of him. I own a Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, which I absolutely love. It is my favorite grey sweater and definitely a must go to during fall/winter season.
Works Cited
Leibovitz, Annie. Vogue.com. 15 December 2011. 20 November 2012 <http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/marc-jacobs-a-man-for-all-seasons/#1>.
Marc Jacobs. Digital image. Style Sight. Style Sight. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.
Polan, Brenda, and Roger Tredre. The Great Fashion Designers. Oxford: Berg, 2009. 235-37. Print.
" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com. 12 Nov 2012.
<http://www.biography.com/people/marc-jacobs-594096>.
WEBLEY, KAYLA. www.time.com. 2 April 2012.
<http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2110513_2110512_2110681,00.html>.
marcjacobs.com.
<www.marcjacobs.com/world-of-marc-jacobs/biography/kim-gordon-photographed-by-juergen-teller/e9738124-f839-4404-8397-352f25344ccb?p=1>.
Marc Jacobs. Digital image. Style Sight. Style Sight. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.
Polan, Brenda, and Roger Tredre. The Great Fashion Designers. Oxford: Berg, 2009. 235-37. Print.
" Marc Jacobs." 2012. Biography.com. 12 Nov 2012.
<http://www.biography.com/people/marc-jacobs-594096>.
WEBLEY, KAYLA. www.time.com. 2 April 2012.
<http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2110513_2110512_2110681,00.html>.
marcjacobs.com.
<www.marcjacobs.com/world-of-marc-jacobs/biography/kim-gordon-photographed-by-juergen-teller/e9738124-f839-4404-8397-352f25344ccb?p=1>.