Fashion

Marc Jacobs Hires Two New Designers To Re-Vamp His Image

by Ally Batista
Stocksy

Personally, I don’t see the problem. I love the route that Marc Jacobs has taken with his Marc by Marc Jacobs contemporary line. Critics say that the collection has been “getting a little stale” and that it’s falling into too much of a 70’s trend throughout the past two seasons.

According to an interview with WWD, Robert Duffy, president and vice chairman of Marc Jacobs International, has made two exciting new hires in an attempt to liven up the brand and re-vamp it’s image.

Former Marc Jacobs’s accessories designer Katie Hillier has been named creative director of the company, while designer Luella Bartley has been named design director of women’s ready-to-wear. Marc Jacobs will, of course, continue to oversee his namesake line.

Marc by Marc Jacobs first launched in 2000 and was one of the first in the contemporary market. Now, Jacobs has to compete with Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Theyskens’ Theory and Rag & Bone, who are all incredible designers/brands.

“The competition has become too great,” Duffy said. “We have an issue with the ready-to-wear… We rested on our laurels and it hurt us.”

When asked about Hillier’s new position, Marc Jacobs responded by saying: “[Hillier] is a great leader. Her creativity and energy inspires me and everybody she works with.”

Both Hillier and Bartley are known for their London fashion aesthetic and will be sure to bring a fresh take to the label. I’m sure their first collection will be heavily inspired by Bartley’s geek-meets-prep style, which is fine by me.

Photo Credit: Getty Images