Marc Jacobs’ name is back in the headlines. It was not too long ago that the American designer has made the news, first, for his iconic Perry Ellis Grunge collection re-released but now under his own brand, and then an opening of a Madison Avenue store just in time for Thanksgiving. Afterwards, a collaboration with Dr Martens sprung, bringing to fans more grunge goodness through limited edition, nineties-inspired boots. This time around, it has been revealed that there will be a new kid in the block in the form of The Marc Jacobs. Yes, “The” is necessary, and yes, it is different from Marc Jacobs sans the article.
We first learned of The Marc Jacobs’ existence through WWD, which revealed an image from what is supposedly the look book for the line. The designer corroborated the information through a post on Instagram, saying that the photo was leaked and that it is indeed for The Marc Jacobs, “a taste of things to come.” The new Jacobs brand is said to take after the now defunct Marc by Marc Jacobs in terms of price point, which means that the former will be as accessible as the line that was stopped in 2015. However, everything save for a few details are kept under wraps that we would have to wonder for a while how similar the two will be.
What we know though, is that the line known in the company simply as “The” will be introduced in Pre-Fall 2019, and will be a distinct category from Jacob’s Runway prêt-à-porter. The image we’ve seen will have to suffice for the time being; more images are set to be released come May next year. Jacobs has tapped Lotta Volkova, a Russian stylist who has previously had her work featured by Vetements and Balenciaga through Demna Gvasalia for the look book. And Jacobs’ very own Hugo Scott will be the lensman for the line’s first collection. We’re sure that the first photo we’ve seen, which has two models fashion sunglasses, colorful striped sweaters and corduroy pants, indicates pretty much the flavor of the collection we are bound to witness next year.
The Marc Jacobs differs from the older accessible line in one major point: it will be led by no other than the designer that the brand is named after. Marc by Marc Jacobs was not, instead having at its helm designers Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley. The two came to launch their own label, Hillier Bartley, after Marc by Marc Jacobs was permanently closed.
The secondary Marc Jacobs line that ceased to be three years ago was very successful, having earned patrons of its own, but we are yet to see if its successor will enjoy success just as much. The venture has the potential to be what helps Marc Jacobs during its rough patch, though. Besides news of collaborations, there have been reports of declines in sales and consequent closing of stores and loss of jobs—its European locations, including one in London, would be dropped soon. Two key people, one of which is co-founder Robert Duffy, have left their positions. There have been rumors that Jacobs might leave his eponymous brand, but the recent announcement seems to put off the possibility, at least for now.
Image credits: Marc Jacobs, LVMH, Vogue Runway, Pietro D’aprano/FilmMagic
