Today I want to introduce my favorite designer of all, Marc Jacobs. The Story starts with Marc Jacobs as a professional in the apparel industry, but though his designs always stand out with their vibrant colors, his physique and personal attitude are so striking and appealing that they take center stage when he is in the press.
Marc Jacobs wearing his signature kilt / Photo: The X-Stylez
Marc Jacobs was born in 1963 in New York City. He may not have realized what his future would have in store for him as a 15-year-old working as a stockboy at Charivari, in New York. This clothing boutique was his first place where he starts to engage with fashion industry. During his work at Charivari, he met sportswear designer Perry Ellis, who later became his mentor and give the inspiration to go to the Parsons School of Design.
Marc learned to sew and knit from his grandmother. He lived with her after moving out of his parents' house. In 1981 he graduated from the High School of Art and Design and studied at the Parsons, where all the students present their talent in artistic aspects.
During his studies at Parsons, he designed oversized hand-knit sweaters sold by Barbara Weiser, owner of New York's Charivari Boutique, and completed his first collection for Reuben Thomas Inc.,where he formed a business relationship with Robert Duffy, who were Ruben Thomas executive at that time and is currently Jacob's creative collaborator and president and cofounder of Marc Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs and partner Duffy established the Marc Jacobs fashion empire in 1993, and it has not stopped growing since. With his talent, he was able to even work as an artistic director of Louis Vuitton, one of fashion's highest positions, and to collaborate with artists from Richard Prince to Takashi Murakami.
What sets the Marc Jacobs brand apart from others?
According to an interview to introduce his fragrance Dot, Marc Jacobs' work is so special is because he is one of few designers who is working today, perhaps ever, who each season can do something completely different than the last season's styles, making 180-degree turns but staying consistently and recongnizably Marc Jacobs.
If you are a fan of Marc Jacobs, you have reasons for loving his design work. I first became aware of the brand in 2006. At that time, I didn't love as much as I do now. Now, I love love love it to death. His punkish, distinctive, and fun designs always pull me into each new season. The biggest reason, however, comes from my personal interaction with one of his Marc Jacobs frog bags. When I met my future husband, he told me I have "froggy" face (his impression of what he thinks is a cute face I sometimes make). Later, when he found a Marc Jacob bag with a frog on it (see picture below), he thought it would really represent me well and gave it to me as a birthday gift. Because I have such a happy memory associated with the Marc Jacobs brand as a reflection of my personal taste.
Marc Jacobs bag from my husband / Photo: Suhyun Kim Luft
Another thing I love about Marc Jacobs is the exclusiveness of his brand. I love his special-item collection, much of which is goes under the "Marc by Marc Jacobs" moniker. Until only a few years ago, it was not available on his website, but only at Marc Jacobs retail stores which carry special items that cannot be found elsewhere. Now, however, online shopping is offered at the Marc Jacobs website. Some items are still unavailable, which is good news for me, so that I do not go crazy and try to collect everything. His delicacy of inspiration can be seen in small things like the ruler, pencil, playing cards and book mark pictured below. Partially on account of this exclusivity, the retail stores are always crowded.
Marc Jacobs Special Items Photo: Suhyun Kim Luft
Marc Jacob's dedication to his brand shows in different ways. His creative thinking has broadened the scope of fashion in general. His recent work includes a campaign for Diet Coke as creative director in 2013. His ability to work as a fashion designer and simultaneously collaborate with a soft-drink company shows the universality of his creative talent.
Now there is even Marc Jacobs coffee. Does it sound crazy? Yes, but it is true. His first café was launched in Milan, Italy. According to Women's Wear Daily (WWD), his coffee shops open early and close late, making sure early morning commuters and night owls alike can have a cup of Jacob's blend.
His café features the colors that his signature elements: neon, navy and blue. It is connected to 3,100-sqare-foot store designed by archetecture Stephan Jaklitshand highlighting a sliding door made of blue blue glass.
Marc By Marc Jacobs in Milan, Italy / Photo: Marc Jacobs
It would not be an understatement to call him a leader of pop culture, a fashion phenomenon. I appreciate his style and love the clean, vibrant, and modern design aesthetic. The high quality of his construction and materials is among the more logical reasons why I became a fan of Marc Jacobs.
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