The Marvellous Life of Marc Jacobs

By Paige McKirahan

 

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As we look to all of the fashionable spring birthdays coming up this season, we would be remiss to not celebrate the life of one of the fashions "boy wonders"; Marc Jacobs, born on April 6th, 1963, is an American fashion designer that took the industry by storm when he launched his namesake label in 1993. Prior to the launch of this emblematic brand, though, he was a fashion prodigy that did nothing less than stun his seasoned counterparts. Born in New York, Jacobs was raised with two siblings until the death of his father at the age of 7. His father's passing turned his world upside down and he eventually moved in with his grandmother on the Upper West Side in the wake of his mother's tumultuous new love life; it was here where he learned how to knit and his interest in fashion was encouraged to grow.

At the tender age of 15, Jacobs began attending the High School of Art and Design and working at the sophisticated boutique Charivari. Here, he met the fashion designer Perry Ellis; Ellis became his mentor and facilitated the beginning of Jacob's fashion career. Following his graduation at the School of Art and Design, he enrolled in the prestigious Parsons School of Design as a standout student. He received the both Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award and Design Student of the Year at graduation in 1984, and this success led him to design his first collection for Sketchbook for Reuben Thomas at just 21.

 

Jacobs on the runway for Sketchbook (source)

At that time, he was also collaborating with executive Robert Duffy to create Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc.; this gave him enough financial backing to begin his own label, which earned him accolades as the youngest designer to win the Council of Fashion Designers of America Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent (1987). In the following year, he was named the vice president of women's design at Perry Ellis, where his emblematic grunge collection started the edgy movement that essentially took over the '90s. This grunge collection prefaced Perry Ellis's manufacturing shutdown in 1993, leading Jacob's to relaunch his signature brand, Marc Jacobs International Company L.P. After seeing immediate success, he began opening boutiques in 1997 and became the creative director for Louis Vuitton in exchange for financial security surrounding his fashion house.

 

Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis (source)

Despite the fact that Jacobs found great professional success with LV, his personal life slowly began to falter. He was at the helm of his addiction when the queens of fashion, Anna Wintour and Naomi Campbell, convinced Jacobs to seek help with the aid of other close friends in 1999. After finally getting clean, Jacobs returned to the industry stronger than ever when he launched Louis Vuitton's first ever ready-to-wear line. He continued building his company into an industry giant, expanding his products into menswear, womenswear, children wear, accessories, fragrances, and beauty. At the turn of the century, Jacobs was one of the biggest names in fashion; in 2002, he was named Menswear Designer of the Year, and Accessories Designer of the Year in 1998/99, 2003 and 2005.

As the 2000s have continued, Jacobs has never failed to turn heads. Despite the fact that he stepped down from LV in 2013 and the closing of Marc by Marc Jacobs in 2015, he still remains at the helm of high fashion. His luxury label lives on, and so does his legacy!

 

Sources:

Nolen, J. L. (2018, July 06). Marc Jacobs. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marc-Jacobs

Marc Jacobs. (2017, September 07). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/marc-jacobs-594096

The Irish Fashion Round Up

By Paige McKirahan

 

Are you feeling lucky this week, Talkingfashion travelers? We know we are as we are heading fast toward Ireland just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day this week on March 17^th. If this holiday has you feeling ready for some fresh spring fashion inspiration, these influencers are like the pot of gold at the end of your colorful couture rainbow. Though Ireland is not the home of any fun fashion week activities, it still boasts a bustling industry scene with a plethora of emerging talent coming out in high-profile cities like Dublin. Irish fashionistas understand that visibility is important in leveling up their country’s industry scene, so read on to see some our favorite influencers on the scene right now who are the perfect illustration of the country’s Irish charm!

 

 Pippa O’Connor

 

 

 

This model is one of the most popular influencers in Ireland’s online blogging landscape, with thousands visiting her website for fashion advice daily. Her popularity has only elevated her stance in the industry and has allowed her create her own online denim shop, POCO!

 

 Nuala Gorham

 

 

 

As a Vogue favorite, this blogger’s honest take on fashion, fitness, beauty, and travel has made her an Irish influencer aficionado. Her adventurous lifestyle and willingness to tag all of her best outfits on LiketoKnowit truly have made her brand into a must-follow!

 

Suzanne Jackson-O'Connor

 

 

 

This blogger-turned-businesswoman is the founder of multiple award winning brands, including her chic lifestyle blog, Sosueme. Suzanne has used her blogger platform to turn her brand into a business, andcreated the highly regarded Irish beauty brand, SOSUbySJ.

 

Joanne Larby

 

 

 

With her affinity for beauty and a great sense of style, this blogger and brand owner is making big waves in the Irish fashion landscape. Her lifestyle brand, The Makeup Fairy, is an industry favorite that stemmed from a small blog and has now grown into an online magazine with an accompanying YouTube profile with aesthetics to die for. 

 

Louise Cooney

 

 

 

This award-winning jetsetter is dominating the fashion industry with her chic takes on life, travel, fashion, and industry inspiration. She has been nominated as the Most Stylish Online Influencer and Best Influencer in the Gossies, which shows that fashionistas all over the globe can’t get enough of her “it” girl aesthetic!

If these influencers are already under your Instagram “Following” list, check out this list of 60 Irish bloggers that are sure to vamp up your timeline!

As you can see, many of Ireland's most prominent fashion brands are managed by high-profile bloggers; check out our favorite Irish jewelry finds and see if they were created by anyone you know!

 

Isle Jewellery

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a jewelry brand that makes you feel as well traveled as the bloggers above, look no further than Isle. This Irish-meets- Japanese aesthetic was created by two sisters on opposite sides of the world, taking motifs from both of their cities and combining them to create beautiful, minimalist jewelry pieces.

 

Rachel Swan

 

 

 

This Dublin-based brand boasts a multitude of simple, modern designs taking cues from the Art Deco movement. Rachel Swan, the name behind these fabulous jewels, puts an architectural finish on every piece, giving them a modern twist perfect for a chic night out.

 

Maria Dorai Raj

 

 

 

The designer behind brand her namesake brand creates contemporary designs with hints of Irish-Indian glam. The piece’s impeccable craftsmanship and modern aesthetics have made Raj’s designs some of the most sought after in the country.

 

Cosmic Boulevard

 

 

 

This dainty, festive jewelry brand was created by one of Ireland’s most eccentric makeup artists. After working in cosmetics for over ten years, Sinhead Murphy decided to take her talents to the jewelry industry; we love all of her out-of-this-world designs and her fresh take on cosmic motifs!

Since our favorite month of fashion has finally concluded, we are now looking for a new celebration! Check out these Irish fashion finds to gear up for Saint Patrick’s Day fun, and freshen up your timeline for spring by retracing our steps on our fashion journey around the globe!

 

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Alexander McQueen: A Couturier's Timeline

By Paige McKirahan

 

 

It is very seldom that a designer steps into the fashion industry and stuns icons with such grace as Alexander McQueen. In celebration of his life, we have elected to spotlight this amazing fashion contributor as his day of birth is fast approaching. The couturier and fashion icon was born on the 17^th of March, 1969 in London as the youngest of six siblings. After leaving school at the young age of 16 to pursue apprenticeships with a variety of high-profile tailors like Gieves and Hawkes that were masters of technical clothing construction. This experience was followed by time with Angels and Bermans, where he mastered a variety of pattern cutting techniques, including the razor-sharp style that has become synonymous with the McQueen brand. After this transformative stint, he became employed by tailor and designer Koji Tatsuno for close to a year before he traveled to Milan to be Romeo Gigli’s design assistant. During these apprenticeships, he also attended the Rosetta Art Centre, where he received a recommendation from Yvonne Humble that sent him on to the MA fashion course at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. The skills that he learned during his time in these positions quickly earned him a high-class reputation in the industry as a designer with an affinity for flawlessly tailored designs.

This reputation was carried with him to St. Martins, where he was encouraged by the head of his course there to enroll as a student and receive a master's degree in fashion. He went on to do just that, and his 1992 graduate collection was so emblematic that the iconic stylist Isabella Blow famously purchased it in its entirety. Blow became a sort of mentor to McQueen, using her contacts and industry expertise to help launch his career. It was even rumored that she influenced his choice to go after his middle name, Alexander, when he finally had his big break.

 

McQueen and Blow (source)

During this time, McQueen grew as an artist with other designers in Hoxton, where he designed his second collection that led him to his "right hand woman", Katy England. England was appointed the creative director of Mcqueen's third collection and continued working with him from then on, being his "second opinion" on all of his major works. Following these collections, he then moved on to create the wardrobe for David Bowie's 1996-1997, which opened the door to a plethora of high-profile celebrity collaborations with icons like Bjork, Robert Lepage, Sylvie Guillem, and Russell Maliphant.

 

McQueen for David Bowie (source)

Through the end of the 90s and the beginning of the 2000s, McQueen built a reputation around his shocking runway displays; his lavish and unconventional style was like nothing the industry had ever seen, incorporating things like holograms and shipwreck scenes into his shows. He became one of the runway frontrunners, being credited with adding tur extravagance and drama to fashion. One of the most dramatic shows in of his career was for Spring/ Summer 2001 displaying a collection dubbed "VOSS". The centerpiece of the show was a class box based upon Sanitarium by Joel Peter Witkin; the box was unlit, making the reflections on the walls seem like large mirrors reflecting the audience's images back to them for over an hour. When the show finally began, the box became lit to reveal a gaggle of moths and a naked Michelle Olley relaxed on a chaise lounge wearing only a gas mask.

 

A photo from the VOSS show, 2001 (source)

In 1996, Mcqueen was appointed to chief designer at Givenchy, where he worked until 2001. Prior to this departure, he formed a partnership with the Gucci Group and they acquired 51% of his company in 2000. He remained as the creative director until his death, and this new ownership allowed his label to globally expand. He created men and women's ready-to-wear collections, accessories, eyewear, and a variety of fragrances that were available in boutiques all over the world at the conclusion of 2007. He remained at the top of the industry until his untimely passing in 2010, two days prior to the start of London Fashion Week. He still holds his title as one of the most iconic courtiers of all time and has received high honors including "British Designer of the Year" (1996 & 2003) and "International Designer of the Year" (2003). His brand continues to produce stunning collections and the McQueen legacy will live on longer than the industry itself.

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International Women of Fashion Day

By Paige McKirahan

 

In an industry that seems male-dominated at a first passing glance (think names like Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent), the world of high fashion is more than just the male names gracing the labels of your favorite designer bags. With all these brands at the forefront of fashion, sometimes we are left to wonder: how does a women centric-industry seem to so overtaken by the opposite gender? Here at Talkingfashion, we commend all fashion-forward trailblazers that have made groundbreaking innovations to get the industry where it is today. And in celebration of International Women’s Day, we have decided to take a look at some of the most powerful women in the industry whether it be designers, writers, editors, and everything in between. We want to celebrate the women who ran in their heels so all after them could strut confidently, so read on to learn a little more about ten of our favorite fashion moguls!

 

Anna Wintour

 

Born in 1949 in the UK, Anna Wintour is regarded as one of the major pillars in the fashion industry. As editor-in-chief of the iconic fashion bible, Vogue, she is the basis of all major fashion choices made by designers and celebrities alike. If you were wondering what it is truly like to work with Ms. Wintour, check out "The Devil Wear Prada" as Meryl Streep's character was based on her work with Vogue!

 

Vivienne Westwood

As one of our favorite designers of all time, Vivienne Westwood has been a pioneer in the fashion industry as her contributions to the world of design and business have scarcely been replicated. She has been at the helm of couture for over 40 years and burst onto the scene when she designing clothes for The Sex Pistols!

 

Cathy Horyn

 

One of the "original" fashion bloggers, Cathy Horyn reimagined what it was to be a fashion critic. Her emblematic 16 years run with The New York Times signified her status as the true voice of haute couture. Her honest, sometimes abrasive critiques spare no label regardless of how large or small, which is why many industry greats like Giorgio Armani fear her legendary wrath.

 

Miuccia Prada

When Miuccia created her Prada label in 1978, she made huge waves in a sea of male designers. Time and time again she stuns the industry with her beautiful collections, skyrocketing her to global fame; she is now one of the most respected designers in the industry and a trailblazer when it came to defining modern femininity and female power.

 

Rei Kawakubo

This Japanese designer with an affinity for all things avant-garde; her 40-year-long reinvention of the fashion game has not gone unnoticed as the theme for the 2017 MET Gala was based upon her career. After founding Comme des Garçons, she truly established herself as a longtime industry great and broke the internet when she created a MET look for Rihanna that shook the world.

 

Natalie Massenet

After founding the most globally recognized shopping site Net-a-Porter, Massenet proved that she was unmatched when it came to the entrepreneurial spirit. Her contributions have made leaps and bounds when it comes to accessibility to fashion, and because of this has consistently topped the lists of the most powerful women by Forbes and Times.

 

Donna Karan

A huge name in the fashion industry for decades, Donna Karan is known best for her creation of DKNY and Donna Karan New York. Though her brand has seen ups and downs over the past 20 years, it is undoubtedly true that she completely reinvented the idea of the luxury store layout.

 

Iman

From being one of the most world-renowned models to the founder of an award-winning cosmetics company, Iman truly has dominated the industry. She has been at the forefront of fashion since the mid-1970s and her wide scope of influence paired with her dedication to philanthropy has garnered her high industry accolades.

 

Rose Marie Bravo

Though her time as the CEO of Burberry has come to a close, the industry is still feeling the effects of her energetic reign as she is a true embodiment of a "girl boss". This New York-bred fashionista revived the Burberry brand and went on to become one of the most highly regarded fashion entrepreneurs of our time.

 

Diane von Furstenberg

 

Last, but definitely not least, looks to the creator of the wrap dress. In addition to running her namesake brand, she has also been the president Council of Fashion Designer or America since 2006. She created such a stir when she entered the fashion world that she was dubbed "the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel"!

We hope you spend the day celebrating all of the amazing women in your life and remember to wear what you love, every day! The future is female, and we thank the amazing women above for breaking barriers for those all over the world!

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The Paris Fashion Round Up

By Paige McKirahan

 

Bonjour encore, TalkingFashion tourists! Following our coverage in Italy prior to Milan Fashion Week, we felt it was only appropriate to dive deep into Paris’ high-profile industry as haute heels (or chunky dad shoes) hit the sidewalks in France for the next six days for PFW. As one of the most iconic fashion capitals in the world, Paris never disappoints when it comes to high-fashion with even higher standards. There is truly no other place in the world with a style quite like the “Parisian chic” seen all over capital’s streets, so it is no surprise that their blogging landscape is one of the most active, flourishing influencer scenes that the industry has to offer. Whether it be their classic, minimalist Parisian style or a wilder approach to the chic stereotype, these French influencers have a certain je ne sais quoi that is sure to inspire your spring wardrobe haul!

 

Leiasfez

 

This creative mind has been quite the jetsetter this fashion month as she traveled to London for a fashion week and Dior exhibit fix. Her classic wardrobe featuring muted color palettes and clean tailoring provides content for her perfectly curated feed of style inspiration, making it easy to see why she has garnered over a quarter of a million followers and a spot in a Glossier campaign. 

 

Syanalaniyan

 

 

 

This Youtube-based influencer has proved that you don’t need hundreds of thousands of followers to make your mark on the industry; through her success with her Youtube channel and her “it” girl style shown on Instagram, she has formed partnerships with Marc Jacobs Beauty and Asos to create beautiful paid posts for her social media feeds.

 

Miss Pandora

 

 

 

Louise Ebel is the Parisian fashionista behind this stand-out blog, Miss Pandora. Rather than falling into the classic style guidelines set up by her chic predecessors, Ebel aims to explore new fashionable combinations whether they be unusual silhouette pairings or wild color combinations.

 

Mango and Salt

 

 

 

Victoria, the creator of Mango and Salt, uses her blog to showcase both her minimalist style aesthetic and sustainable lifestyle practices. She prides herself on being authentic and natural, so if you are looking for some style inspiration with a side of cultural commentary, Mango and Salt is the perfect blog for you! 

 

Frannfyne

 

 

 

This lifestyle and fashion blogger is one of our favorites from this list on account of her uber-cool street style looks. No two of her outfits look the same and she uses pieces from shops like Zara and Mango to create dimensional looks that are totally achievable for even the most fashion inept of her followers.

For more great Parisian bloggers that are on our must-follow list this spring, check out this article by Frenchly! 

Switching the conversation from bloggers to brands, there are just as many French accessory labels on our radar that make us thankful its tax return season! While you’re waiting on that direct deposit to hit, give these brands a follow and check out all of the beauty that they have to offer!

 

Balaboosté

 

One of the most fun and eclectic labels on this list, this 20-year-old brand is eccentric and colorful in all the right ways. Though some may struggle to create bold pieces with a chic feel, this is no problem for Balabooste as their ‘90s inspired statement pieces are made to be Instagram ready!

 

Lou.Yetu

 

 

This brand, which is named after a classic French children’s song, takes this playful element and seamlessly fuses it together with its clean aesthetics to create timeless pieces with a classic French twist. Their delicate necklaces, rings, and bracelets are made to be layered and will compliment all of your chicest looks.

 

Gerard Darel

 

 

 

This seemingly lowkey clothing and accessories brand has slowly established itself as a provider of quality basics both in France and around the world. Their reach is so wide that their simple bags have been in the hands of many of the media’s favorites, including Angelina Jolie!

 

Satellite Paris

 

 

Playing upon the industry’s love of boho-chic aesthetics, this brand boasts expertly crafted jewelry that can be found in six storefronts across Paris, along with a multitude of department stores. Started by a former ethnologist, Satellite’s pieces are delicately crafted and jewel encrusted with an art deco design inspiration to match.

 

Nouvel Amour

 

 

Popular for its simple, gold ID bracelets, rings, and necklaces, this Parisian brand offers a new way to remember your travels to the fashion capital. The versatility of their pieces paired with the ability to customize every design makes these romantic accessories a fashion round-up favorite!

Since Paris Fashion Week is already underway, make sure to give all of these French fashion finds a follow to see how they are participating in the industry fun! Be sure to stay tuned for more roundups and join us on our journey to Ireland to discover more creators worth following prior to our Saint Patrick's Day celebrations in March!

 

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