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Marc Jacobs

"I find it easy to make things seem naughty. I quite like the idea of doing something more intelligent."

In 1963 designer Marc Jacobs was born in New York City, New York. He graduated from the high school of Art and Design in 1981 and immediately enrolled in the Parsons School of Design. While at Parson’s Barbara Wesier of the fashion house Charivari commissioned Jacobs to design a collection of hand knit sweaters. They were then sold at Charivari stores under the label ‘Marc Jacobs for Marc & Barbara’. For Jacobs’ senior collection he received the school’s highest honor, Design Student of the Year; along with the Perry Ellis Golden Thimble Award and the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble. In 1986 he introduced his eponymous label, ‘Marc Jacobs’ and won the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent the next year. Then in 1989, he had begun work as the Vice President of Women’s Designs at renowned fashion house Perry Ellis.

In 1992 following along the alternative music scene Marc Jacobs unveiled his legendary grunge collection, which won him the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year. During The next year he left Perry Ellis to open a licensing and design company, Marc Jacobs International Comp LP, with business partner Robert Duffy. Wanting to branch out, in 1994, Jacobs introduced the ‘Marc Jacobs Menswear’ line. Three years later, in 1997 along with desiging for his own label, Jacobs began work as the artistic director for Louis Vuitton. While there he launched their first ever ready-to-wear line and successfully revamped the accessories line.

Throughout the 2000s Marc Jacobs continued to expand his brand starting with the launch of the more moderately priced, unique and youthful line ‘Marc by Marc Jacobs’. He has since increased the second line by introducing eyewear and fragrances in 2007 and swimwear in 2009. Jacobs also launched a full line of childrenswear called ‘Little Marc”.

Knowing the only way to keep your name prevalent Marc Jacobs has collaborated with Waterford designing a collection of fine china and designed a limited edition Skullhead doll for Barney’s New York. Jacobs also has a large celebrity following, including Sofia Coppola, Charlotte Rampling, Winona Ryder, Dakota Fanning and Victoria Beckham; all of whom he has used in ad campaigns and credits as muses.

Life Facts:
Marc Jacobs has won 7 CFDA awards including Womenswear Designer of the Year, Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year and Menswear designer of the year. Marc Jacobs currently operates over 100 stores worldwide. Besides women’s, men’s and childrenswear Jacobs creates special items like jewelry, notebooks, pencils, markers, pens, pencil cases, key rings, umbrellas, compacts, water bottles, lipstick and surfboards. Marc Jacobs owns a substantial contemporary art collection. He contributes to charities including but not limited to Cancer Care, City Harvest, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDs Foundation, God’s Love We Deliver, New Visions for Public Schools and the Climate Project.

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