A Letter to Marc Jacobs

I decided to write an imaginary letter to Marc Jacobs because after seeing his Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall collection I had so many questions going through my mind that only a letter seemed like it would capture how I feel about his Ready To Wear Show. His show, like Vera Wang’s show, had a surprising impact on me. Here, without further ado, is my letter to Marc Jacobs. All images are courtesy of Style.com

Dear Mr. Jacobs:

I want to express my thanks to your design team, Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier, for a very thought-provoking runway show during New York Fashion Week. The looks in the show made such a strong impression on me that after a week I can not get your collection out of my mind. I would like to first explain that I initially did not know how I felt about the looks in your show. I really had to let my thoughts simmer after what I had experienced. My first impression can be compared to how I typically feel after watching a great movie with a bad ending. Should a terrible ending ruin the whole movie experience? That describes how I felt about your show only in reverse. Let me further explain.

Several of the looks at the beginning of the show were so severe that I wondered what or who inspired your design team as they worked on this collection. You are generally the designer whom can be relied upon to present feminine garments with a quirky touch. The cut of the shirts and the drape of the pants in your collection screamed tomboy ninja to me not quirky chic.

I was also completely distracted by the huge belt associated with each look. The belt has seat belt-like qualities; however, upon consideration I realized I was happy that you decided to define the waist. This decision at least injected some femininity into the militant-type looks that came across the runway. I came to the conclusion that after seeing these militant-like looks that I did not like this collection. This decision turned out to be erroneous. 

An awakening occurred when I spotted the silver metallic dress on the runway. The Bunny Hop lingo on the dress gave the frock a certain vintage quality that was completely contrary to the modern texture of the dress. It is rather odd that I would like this look. Only a woman who had to toss on the first garments she came across in her closet to escape a burning building would wear this outfit. I believe what sold me was the realization that it is the separate pieces that made up these looks that are so appealing. Your design duo was going for a completely commercial look with this collection weren’t they Mr. Jacobs?

I felt that both Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier were both winking at the audience. Did they predict the amount of buzz that would be generated by this collection? The sporty touches in this collection were superb. I am sure you had a line of buyers ready to purchase the print sports-like jerseys and the grey color-blocked sweater in the collection. The BMX footwear the models wore throughout the show was also completely hip and quite unexpected. Mr. Jacobs, I think you may have expanded your customer-base with this collection. Are you trying to appeal to young affluent hipsters?

You also, like so many other designers, included plaid pieces in your collection that are so attractive to the hip set right now. Plaid is rad after all and the 90s is where it’s at right now. I really love the looks in which the plaid tops were paired with shiny pencil skirts. Did you and your team include pencil skirts in the collection to balance out those severe militant-type looks at the beginning of the show? Whatever your reasons, I really would like to own one of those pencil skirts.

I also have an attachment to the bowed capes in the collection. They are so charming. It is almost like Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier believe that they had to overcompensate for the heavy doses of testosterone-like looks that were on display earlier during the runway show. I want to tie all of my capes into a bow now but I suppose if I did that I might look like a fish out of water.

I also like the tulle skirts in your collection. I have read several reviews and the consensus is that the tulle skirts in your collection look Halloween-worthy. I don’t care. They suit me. I believe I have been in a gothic mood since I saw Vera Wang’s collection. Both of you are my picks for the most unexpected looks. I really appreciate that both of you took chances with your collections. I love the experimentation aspects of your collection.

Before I conclude, I want to compliment you on the beautiful handbags in the collection. I am positive that they will fly off of the store shelves as is typical of your handbag collections. I especially love how, in a few of your looks, you matched the bags to the print tops. They really complemented each other.

Mr. Jacobs you have created a commercial collection that I suspect will be wildly successful for you. You must have browsed street-style blogs prior to creating your collection because you have your fingers on the pulse of what is hot.

I loved your show and look forward to your next endeavors.

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Pate

 

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Please contact me by e-mail at sharon_pate@att.net for questions and inquiries.