Update 31/06/2019:
Marc Jacobs has announced his new venture, 'The Marc Jacobs' - a more affordable version of his brand - four years after the closure of Marc by Marc Jacobs.
The new line, named after his Instagram account @themarcjacobs, will include ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, jewellery and accessory items that encourage individuality when it comes to personal style.
“We wanted to do something that is unlike the collections we are already doing, in that is is more ‘item-y,’” explained Jacobs in a press release.
“These items are things that you could put together in your own way; it’s more about personal styling than about having a full runway look.”
According to WWD, the designer was heavily influenced by hit pieces from his extensive archive, including his grunge spring/summer 1993 Perry Ellis collection, which famously got him fired.
The new line will also feature collaborations with longtime friends of the designer, such as a capsule of hats and headbands by milliner Stephen Jones. Jacobs will also team up with screen-writer Sofia Coppola, New York Magazine and Peanuts.
A collection of pieces, named m.archives, will reimagine ready-to-wear and accessories from the personal wardrobes of Jacobs and his team.
The Marc Jacobs is available to shop online now.
Original story 06/12/2018:
Marc Jacobs will launch an affordable new line for pre-fall 2019. The collection is currently being kept under largely wraps - WWD has obtained one single campaign picture of the offering, which shows two models in oversized striped sweatshirts styled with colourful wide-leg trousers. Both are wearing charm necklaces and sunglasses.
Jacobs' ready-to-wear will be divided into two different categories, Runway, comprising the high-end pieces that the brand would normally create, and then a more democratically priced line called The Marc Jacobs. Retailers have reportedly seen the collection, but it's still under embargo for press.
Jacobs recruited Lotta Volkova, the Russian stylist famed for her work with Demna Gvasalia on Vetements and Balenciaga, to work on the lookbook. More images will be published in May.
The brand closed its popular diffusion label, Marc by Marc Jacobs, in 2015. Although it's unknown as to whether the designer's new more affordable offering will replicate the same aesthetic, it will come as good news to all those who missed the diffusion line.
The closure of Marc by Marc was viewed, by many, as a sign that the business' finances were ailing. Jacobs' long-term business partner, Robert Duffy, stepped down the same year, and there were reports of mass staff cuts, and multiple store closures. Perhaps, this new affordable line could be what's need to reignite the brand's appeal.