Marc Jacobs has built his business around the mission to create clothing for the quirky and eccentric woman. His customer is a rarity: fusing understated luxury with the downtown, quirkiness, and freedom of the “old” New York City. Recently, Jacobs has been criticized to have lost sight of this customer and the point of view for which he became famous for. Marc, being never one to disappoint, did just that for his latest outing: re-channeled that cult-customer and translated her into today’s modern Jacobs woman. He tapped the perfect balance of concession to the past and innovation of the future by infusing elements from 17th century Plymouth Rock to Tim Burton and Dr. Seus to 21st century street style. (A realm of influences that could truly only be pulled off by the intelligent precision of Jacobs’ hands).
The models wore Pilgrim shoes, in stacked and flat heights, complete with oversized rhinestone buckles. As for the clothes, they were inspired by Anna Piaggi and Lynn Yaeger, fashion eccentrics who invented the art of the “mash-up” look, that today dominates street style blogs. Piaggi never goes anywhere without a hat, and Marc took this literally, topping each model with a Dr. Seus worthy hat, tha tilted all which ways, constructed out of various hues of mink. The outfits were just as eccentric: wool stoles worn over oversized wool blazers and coats paired with patchwork plasticized skirts over mid-calf length pants, all of which came in balloon-esque shapes as well as fitted tailored options, juxtaposing Marc’s more recent collections’ of strictly tight and severe silhouettes.
But Jacobs didn’t stop there. His color palette ranged from teals and eggplants to bubble-gums, suburst yellows, and lavenders. Tinsel showed up everywhere on skirts and tops. Prints varied from large paisleys and doodled florals to holographic appliques that literally dripped off dresses.
Sound like a train-wreck?
On the contrary, it was eccentric, but it surely did the likes of Yaeger and Piaggi proud. But beyond that, it made you go back to the beginning with Marc. While, Jacobs would argue with anyone who called him nostalgic, that is exactly what the collection was: nostalgic Marc. The feeling was almost indescribable: seeing Marc re-connect with his fan base and followers. It was fearless. But more importantly, it made you fall in love with fashion, New York, and Marc Jacobs all over again.
By: Connor Childers, CCFA PR Co-Chair
