MARC JACOBS 2000
artistic director of Louis Vuitton

On January 7, 1997 Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy joined Louis Vuitton; Marc Jacobs as Artistic Director and Robert Duffy as Studio Director. In this position, Marc Jacobs will work on all the company's ranges: Monogram Canvas, Epi leather, Taiga leather, Damier Canvas, ... Marc Jacobs' arrival at Louis Vuitton will enable new lines, related especially to the world of men's and women's fashion, to be introduced. These diversities will include the creation of fashion accessories such as textiles, shoes and the introduction of a range of Louis Vuitton clothes. Marc Jacobs' new team will soon be operational and will work on all these projects.

Marc Jacobs was born in New York City on April 9, 1963. He attended the High School of Art and Design graduating in 1981. From there, Jacobs entered the Parsons School of Design. At Parsons, Jacobs won the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award in 1984, and in the same year was also awarded the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award and the Design Student of the Year Award. While still at Parsons, Jacobs designed and sold his first line of hand knit sweaters. His first collection that he designed was for Reuben Thomas, Inc. under the "sketchbook" label. At this time in 1984, Jacobs formed his partnership with Robert Duffy, Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc., which continues to this day. In 1986, backed by Kashiyama USA, Inc., Jacobs designed his first collection bearing the "Marc Jacobs" label. In 1987, Jacobs received the distinct honor of being the youngest designer to be awarded the fashion industries highest tribute: The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.

Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy joined Perry Ellis in 1989. Robert as the President and Marc as the Vice-President of women's design to create the designer collection and in addition, he oversaw the design of the various women's licensees. In 1992, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, once again bestowed Jacobs with a great honor: The Women's Designer of the Year Award.

• In fall 1993, they launched their own licensing and design company, Marc Jacobs International Company, L.P.
• In 1994, Marc Jacobs International signed its first licensee agreement with Renown Look and Mitsubishi in Japan, for the distribution of the Designer Collection.
• In Spring/Summer of 1996 the Marc Jacobs Men's Designer Collection was introduced.
• In August 1997, the first Marc Jacobs Store opened in New York City's Soho District.
• Currently, Marc Jacobs' company has licensees for Outerwear, Furs, Fine Jewelry, Scarves, Shoes, and Patterns.

photo: Francois Marie Banier