An American Leaves Paris After 16 Years

It’s official. After months of rumors, Marc Jacobs is stepping down from his role as Creative Director of Louis Vuitton in order to focus on his namesake line.

A 1997 advertisement from Marc Jacobs’ first season at Louis Vuitton

I have to admit, there has always been a disconnect for me between the Marc Jacobs of Louis Vuitton and the Marc Jacobs of Marc Jacobs. I still remember the excitement of his appointment, back in the heady, fashionable nineties. It was Marc at Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford at Gucci, and Michael Kors at Celine. The Americans had invaded Europe’s most storied fashion houses, producing intoxicating and wearable clothes.

Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2004

In 1997, the very idea of Louis Vuitton having a ready-to-wear collection was revolutionary. The idea that the man who would bring it to us would be the same man who first brought grunge to the runway while at Perry Ellis (and got fired for it!), unbelievable! But wait, there is more. The clothes would NEVER go on sale. Marc Jacobs said that he would rather burn the collection at the end of the season than see it marked down like other designer collections. These clothes would be as well made and even more desirable than the bags and luggage that had come before them. And they were.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2013, Marc Jacobs’ last RTW collection for Louis Vuitton

The clothes have always been exquisite. Which brings me to my point of the disconnect. I have rarely, in my 16 years as a personal stylist, sold a piece of Marc Jacobs clothing. In fact, I’ve sold more Louis Vuitton, at those stratospheric prices, than from the Marc Jacobs collection.

There is just something–dare I say awkward–about the collection’s fit and style. Apparently I’m the only one who feels this way because the company has an almost $1 billion dollar business and it can’t all be from his handbags and shoes, which I absolutely love.

What is next for Marc Jacobs? I hear he is hoping for an IPO as successful as Michael Kors’, who eventually left Celine to focus on his namesake line. If that doesn’t work out, Jacobs can be consoled by the fact that he was among the few American designers to leave such a lasting impression, and blockbuster sales, on a French fashion house. Marc Jacobs’ collaborations with Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami were the first of their kind and among the most sought after accessory collections
ever.

Jacob’s terminally chic, classic but interesting, Vernis collection has always been my favorite. I’ll take one in burgundy in case anyone wants to know!

Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma, $2,740

For a trip down memory lane, here is a look at some of Marc Jacob’s greatest Louis Vuitton hits of the last 16 years.

RTW Spring 2001

Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Keepall (2001)

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Multicolor Satchel (2002)

RTW Spring 2003

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Pouchette (2003)

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Monogram Neverfull (2003)

RTW Spring 2004

Louis Vuitton Gold Miroir Papillon

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Speedy Bag (2008)

Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince (2008)

Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince (2008)

Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2013 Advertisement

Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander, Kyle Dunphy and Sloane True are based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and serve clients nationwide. We offer personal styling services, and an on-demand e-course.

Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!