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
Thanks for reading my post. For those of you that follow my
blog many, many thanks.
I look forward to comments and always respond to them so I
hope you share your thoughts with me.
Please contact me by e-mail at sharon_pate@att.net for questions and inquiries.
