The Gilded Youth
Marc Jacobs became Louis Vuitton’s creative director in 1997, to create the first ready-to-wear runway show. Vuitton, known for its high quality luggage and purses shocked its critics at the first show when the looks didn’t include one bag. Jacobs committed to high quality ready-to-wear pieces, and neglected to showcase the pieces that made a mark for Vuitton. Perhaps one of the most brilliant PR stunts, the show shot Jacobs into the limelight and Vuitton has experienced exponential growth ever since.
This March, at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Vuitton and Jacob will put on a exhibition of their work together over the past 15 years. The exhibition will be spread over two floors, each floor a homage to Jacobs and Vuitton, creating a perfect marry of their collaborations since Jacobs became their creative director.
The exhibition comes at an interesting time when rumours are running high. Ever since John Galliano’s racist rants in the Marais in Paris last year, rumours have been spreading like wildfire that Jacobs is to to be the successor of Dior. While nothing has been confirmed to date, there have been many mixed emotions about the possible shuffle of creative directors, particularly concerning Jacobs.
Below is my favourite documentary about Jacobs’ and Vuitton’s relationship by Loic Prigent. Enjoy.
