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Who Is Marc Jacobs?
Marc Jacobs is a renowned fashion designer whose journey to prominence began at the Parsons School of Design. He later earned a position at Perry Ellis before becoming the creative director at Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014. Jacobs is the founder of his own fashion labels, Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, and continues to be a powerful force in the global fashion industry.
Early Life
Marc Jacobs was born on April 9, 1963, in New York City. His early life was marked by tragedy when his father passed away from ulcerative colitis, a condition Jacobs himself would later battle. This loss deeply impacted his mother, leading her into a series of failed marriages and tumultuous relationships. As a result, Jacobs and his siblings were frequently forced to move, living in various parts of New Jersey, Long Island, and the Bronx.
At the age of 15, feeling disconnected from his family, Jacobs moved in with his paternal grandmother on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This change proved to be formative, as his grandmother, a woman well-traveled and cultured, fostered an environment that allowed him to flourish creatively. Her emotional stability and support played a pivotal role in Jacobs’ development. Reflecting on his youth, Jacobs said, “I always say I lived my life with my grandmother. She was emotionally stable, and she was very encouraging to me.” Her influence allowed Jacobs to explore his identity freely, without judgment or restrictions, especially when it came to his passion for fashion and other interests like tap-dancing.
Fashion Prodigy
By the age of 15, Jacobs had already set his sights on a career in fashion. He attended the High School of Art and Design during the day while working at the high-end boutique Charivari in the evenings. At Charivari, he had the opportunity to design sweaters for the store, which helped him hone his craft. This experience eventually led him to Parsons School of Design, where he quickly distinguished himself by winning both the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and Design Student of the Year in 1984.
After graduating, Jacobs designed his first collection for the label Sketchbook by Reuben Thomas, drawing inspiration from films such as Amadeus and Purple Rain. His breakthrough moment came in 1987 when he became the youngest designer ever to win the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. Shortly thereafter, he took over as the women’s-wear designer for Perry Ellis and won the CFDA’s prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 1992 and 1997.
In 1993, after a controversial “grunge” collection for Perry Ellis, which received praise from critics but was disapproved of by the company, Jacobs left the brand and launched his own label with the financial backing of his former employers. The Marc Jacobs label quickly found success, further establishing him as a key figure in the fashion world.
Struggles and Success
Jacobs’ career reached new heights in 1997 when he was named creative director at Louis Vuitton, a role that brought significant professional acclaim. However, the pressures of this position, coupled with personal struggles, led Jacobs into a period of heavy substance abuse, including cocaine, heroin, and alcohol. In 1999, after intervention from close friends such as model Naomi Campbell and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, Jacobs entered rehab to address his addiction.
After overcoming his struggles, Jacobs returned to his work with renewed focus. He launched Louis Vuitton’s first ready-to-wear collection while continuing to expand his own label. Jacobs’ three Marc Jacobs collections—two for adults and one for children—are sold at boutiques worldwide. Additionally, his name has been licensed for perfumes and accessories. Throughout his career, Jacobs has earned numerous accolades, including the CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year in 2002 and Accessories Designer of the Year in 1998/99, 2003, and 2005.
Personal Life
Marc Jacobs married Brazilian PR executive Lorenzo Martone in January 2010 at a private ceremony in St. Barts. Despite the pressures of the fashion industry, Jacobs has maintained a strong personal and professional presence, continuing to captivate the fashion world with his work. His shows are consistently regarded as the most important and influential in the industry, drawing the attention of top figures from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and media.
Jacobs’ legacy as a designer and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion continue to inspire new generations of creators and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.