Marc Jacobs’ highly publicized exit from Louis Vuitton made headlines last month, and now the American designer has talked to WWD about his future plans after serving as the creative director of the French fashion house for sixteen years. Jacobs opens up about the work to take his namesake company public on the stock market, what makes a brand successful and discusses female designers in fashion. Here are some highlights from the interview, and you can read the full article on WWD.com.
On female designers in fashion:
“Throughout history, the best designers and the ones who have made the biggest difference and the longest-lasting difference in fashion are women. Miuccia Prada, Rei Kawakubo, Madeleine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli, Madame Grès, Chanel, Westwood.”
Jacobs on his love for his craft:
“I certainly don’t mind the paycheck, but I don’t do it for that. I love going to work, I love making choices even when they’re difficult, even when it seems like they’re impossible. I’m not a frustrated musician. I don’t want to be an actor. I love fashion. It’s what I’ve always loved; it’s my form of self-expression.”
On how the red carpet has become important to brands:
“Accessories may drive the business, but they’re no longer the press darling. The red-carpet thing became this thing. It’s all evening dresses and borrowed jewelry. When did red carpet overpower It bags?”
“When did red carpet become It bags?” I agree. I’m not a marketing or visual communications major, nor do I follow celebrity trends, so to someone like me, what’s on the red carpet has no impact. Especially since I’m not part of the elite who can afford fine jewelry or $$$ gala gowns. Do those who can afford it actually follow red carpet??