Marc Jacobs Catwalk Report ss09 The man in the skirt has done it again. Fashion aficionados have a new wardrobe this spring. Like an assortment of Pick ‘n’ Mix sweets, a juxtaposition of east and west, rich and poor, ostentatious with simplicity, Marc Jacobs has created a wonderful world of organised chaos. It’s unpredictable, almost inconceivable, but like his skirt and shirt ensemble – anything this designer does just works so well. Western meets Military, Parisian chic meets New York neat, and as the first, second and third girl strutted down the runway alongside the mirrored wall, the minimalism of the recession diminished, replaced with the fun and excitement of rummaging through a costume cabinet. A compilation of sweaters and shirts, layers and drapes, silk and leather, jewellery and hats was rich in embellishment and detail, opulent yet tasteful and, as always, so understanding of the moment. The show was all or nothing. It was dress up and mash up, chunky bangles clunked up to the elbows in earthy tones and golds, while makeup was muted and natural and hair was swept back in a neat plait at the nape of the neck. A Little House on the Prairie theme emerged and somewhere amongst the models and their reflections against the mirrors, one of the Ingalls’ girls may have been hidden beneath a straw prairie hat or mid length skirt. Column dresses in salmon pink and moon – dust grey jersey, gingham shirts with faded red squares tucked into powerful midi skirts foil printed with a petal affect in glistening lilac, green and gold. The parade was punctuated with a motif of cinched waists and mustard yellow garb – garnished with handbags in leopard and zebra print, tasseled earrings in black and gold, obi belts trimmed with gold, hefty ethnic style neck wear and satin platform style espadrilles with diamonds climbing up the lower leg.
Aside from possessing a distinctively acute eye and a definite Je Ne Sais Quoi, Marc Jacob’s ability to demonstrate his immersion in life and culture and his notorious passion and respect for art through dress and style is absolute genius.