Following the release of this 1986 collection, Marc Jacobs received the high honor of being the youngest designer ever to be bestowed the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) at the age of twenty-four. One could say, Jacobs was destined to be a shining star in the fashion industry.
In 1989 Jacobs and Robert Duffy, his business partner, joined Perry Ellis as Vice President of Women’s Design and President, respectively. In 1992, Jacobs was again awarded the distinct honor of the Women’s Designer of the Year for his legendary Grunge Collection.
In 1993 the right moment came for Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc. to emerge as an independent company and the Marc Jacobs International Company, L.P. was born.
Following this exciting development, the two were recognized as a powerful talent and went on to join Louis Vuitton in 1997. Duffy took on the Studio Director role while Jacobs became Artistic Director, a position he still holds today. Not losing any steam, Jacobs and Duffy opened the first free standing Marc Jacobs store on Mercer Street in New York the same year.
Making a grand entrance, in 2001, the brand’s secondary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, was launched with a spring runway show. Never one to disappoint, Jacobs has been awarded seven CFDA awards including Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year, and Accessories Designer of the Year.
Marc Jacobs’ widespread appeal in womenswear and accessories has made him a fashion icon in America, being worn by everyone from celebrities to young fashionistas that have become loyal fans of the brand.
In August 2004, the first multi-brand store opened in the US, in Boston. Since that point, the company has extended itself to reflect over 100 stores worldwide.
Photo Credits: Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy, W Magazine
