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Emotional. The one word best sums up Marc Jacobs' brilliant fall show. There was a sense of serenity at the Lexington Avenue Armory Monday night, where the lack of typical frenzy over VIP guests and dodging paparazzi flashbulbs was replaced by the anticipation of what was to come from behind a raised box set within what was essentially a massive cardboard box that housed the show and its guests. Jacobs and company president Robert Duffy emerged to start the show, ripping away the smaller box's brown paper sides. It was reminiscent of the old days, when the two, minus any sort of budget, did everything themselves. How apropos, then, that the collection that followed not only be eerily reminiscent of Jacobs' first forays at Louis Vuitton, where he is also creative director, but also of his much earlier days at Perry Ellis. The lineup of models that emerged--some models, some specially selected kids cast off the street--was moving.
Perhaps most striking about the collection as each of the 56 looks walked by to a soundtrack of covers of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was that it was cozy, sensible and practical. Yes, ladies and gents, it was all in true ready-to-wear condition. Throw on a gorgeous wrap coat over that 3-piece Glen Plaid suit and strap on a Mary Jane-esque boot; no fuss, no muss. The palette of camels and grays (with some Day-Glo yellow thrown in for good measure) was simultaneously both sobering and effortless elegance--a poignant moment harking back to an earlier era of true great American sportswear, not to mention calmer times before blogs and celebrity mayhem and Twitter (but don't tell that to Duffy, who rapid-fire tweeted from the venue).
One could almost sense the relief in the retailers' faces as the clothes appeared. Conservative is the right word to describe the effervescent lineup--filled with sumptuous cashmere and flannels and wools (and even practical sweatshirt material) with a dose of sequins and metallics thrown in for some pizzazz. To wit, note the princess coats, glitter cardigan, PVC trench and secretary sweaters. Indeed, it was all a very humbling moment, both in fabric use and attitude. Many of the pieces funnily enough featured mismatched buttons while deceptively simple accessories--low-heeled ostrich and croc pumps worn with matching ankle socks and an assortment of clutches and handbags (many trimmed with fur)--accompanied nearly every look.
Man Snob Jim, you are amazing. I love reading your post.
Can you include more information and reviews on the bag? This is a purse blog and you only posted pics of the bag. Now I have to search other blogs to read up on these bags.
I love the classic looks with updated detailing...It's nice to see a refinement from marc jacobs; and I think that it exemplifies a new direction.
I die over the grey ostrich skin with the separate lock and key closure.
Those are also great "reinventions" of the chain strap!
Truly something to be excited for!!!!!!
(great review!)
Marc Jacobs is a genius.
Funny, I think he's so overrated.
finally man snob does something right
I love the feminity of the bags. What can I say? I enjoy being a girl. I don't have to be edgy, but I do LOVE Marc Jacobs. However, I do not like the bags with the fur balls on it. It has nothing to do with fur because I love fur-faux or real. The bag just looks like it's covered with cotton balls.