Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs is a fashion designer from New York, born in 1963, and also the name of the label he built. He studied at Parsons School of Design and in 1986 released his first collection under his own name. A year later he became the youngest designer to receive the Perry Ellis Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His name became more widely known because he led the creative side of Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014. His style blends preppy, grunge, and couture touches, with ad campaigns that often use artists and cultural figures, not just models. Besides the main label, there was a second line called Marc by Marc Jacobs that ran from 2001 to 2015. So a preloved bag in circulation may carry either label.
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Jacobs was born in New York City and grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. He attended the High School of Art and Design, then studied at Parsons. In 1984, while still a student, he won the Gold Thimble Award and the title Design Student of the Year. The first collection under the Marc Jacobs label appeared in 1986, backed by Onward Kashiyama USA. In 1987 he received the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent as the youngest recipient.
In 1988 he and Robert Duffy, his colleague and business partner, joined the women's wear division of Perry Ellis. The grunge-style collection he made in 1992 was praised by critics but failed in the market, and he was dismissed. In 1993 the two founded their own company. In 1997 LVMH took a majority stake in the Marc Jacobs label, and in the same year Jacobs was appointed Louis Vuitton's first creative director. There he created the fashion house's first ready-to-wear line and collaborated with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Kanye West. He left that position in 2014.
The second line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, arrived in 2001. In 2013 this line was estimated to contribute about 80 percent of the brand's revenue. Even so, Jacobs closed it in March 2015 so he could focus on the main label and target more luxurious buyers. In 2020 he launched Heaven, a line for younger buyers. In 2024 he stated that his products do not use animal fur, and have not since 2018.
Marc Jacobs is currently empty. Preloved pieces arrive one at a time, check again after the next drop.
What we check before listing
We look at the label first: whether it says Marc Jacobs or Marc by Marc Jacobs, and whether the lettering and printing are neat and consistent. The stitching along the edges, straps, and corners of the bag should be straight and tight, with no loose threads. We check hardware such as zippers, clasps, and the logo metal for function, weight, and the condition of the color coating. The inside matters too: the lining, pockets, and the smell of the bag, because aging material often peels or turns sticky. We also compare the overall look with the same collection, as one factor to consider and not a guarantee.
Caring for it
Store the bag in a cloth pouch with its shape supported by paper or cloth, away from direct sunlight and damp places. Clean the surface with a soft cloth that is dry or slightly damp, and avoid harsh cleaners because they can damage the color and the coating of the material. Rotate which bag you use so the straps and corners do not wear out quickly. If you are unsure about a particular material, test it first on a hidden area.
FAQ
What is the difference between Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs?
Marc Jacobs is the main label. Marc by Marc Jacobs is a second line that launched in 2001 and was discontinued after the fall/winter 2015 collection. Check the writing on the bag's label to tell which one it is.
Is a Marc Jacobs bag the same as a Louis Vuitton bag?
No. They are different labels. Jacobs was only the creative director of Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014, while his own label kept running separately.
Is the Marc by Marc Jacobs bag still being produced?
That line was closed in 2015, so what is in circulation now is old or secondhand stock. This is why the condition of each bag needs to be looked at one by one.
How do you check the authenticity of a secondhand Marc Jacobs bag?
Look at the label, stitching, hardware, and inner lining, then compare them with detailed photos from the seller. Our check is based on the things we usually look at, not an absolute guarantee.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).