Can I ask you in a few words to describe me his codes please? ‘Cause i’ve always liked marc’s shows because you never know what to expect, but never understood his codes. Thanks
Marc Jacobs for me is about American Sportswear, real elevated American Sportswear. That means a certain pragmatism and simplicity even compared to French Couture. He knows the history of American fashion!
But it is also a fascination and a real influence of 1960’s Upper class America with the subcultures from the 1980’s, particularly, the NYC underground scene.
At Vuitton, he used the glamour veneer of Paris and the mythology of Haute Couture to reference those eras. There were a lot of 60’s and 80’s inspired collections. He added the 70’s too.
But everything always really bourgeois. I used to say that the Louis Vuitton woman was an eccentric bourgeoise and the Marc Jacobs woman was the crazy (in a fun way) bourgeoise.
In terms of pieces, it shouldn’t be said as an insult but Marc Jacobs is like THE GAP but luxe. Khakis pants, bermudas, simple pants, cashmere grey jumpers, car coats, peacoats, cols Claudine, twin-sets…
A lot of simple shapes, polka dots, stripes and very simple graphic prints.
And I don’t know if it’s the influence of his Perry Ellis collection but there’s always that filter of 90’s in his work in a way to add « Off » elements. He will do a 1960’s inspired silhouette with a touch of 80’s (with the make up for example) and add a beanie.
I’ve always found fascinating that Sofia Coppola is a Marc Jacobs woman because she totally embodies his style. She is a bourgeoise in a very classic sense of the word. She has that sense of primness about her but she was also part of a NYC underground scene. She stands out in formal settings as much as she stands out in more underground scene.
When I compare Marc and his contemporaries: Tom and Michael, Marc is the most urban. Tom is the most European and Michael is the most quote on quote « American ».
I don’t know if I helped you in any way but look at his body of work and you’ll see some things that are recurrent in his work.