Simon Porte Jacquemus
Designer, Jacquemus
The self-taught designer’s playful collections has earned him a finalist spot and a special prize for the LVMH Prize in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Simon Porte Jacquemus started his own label when he was 19. Credited with bringing a freshness to Paris’ fashion scene, his collections are deconstructed, surrealist and often "NSFW." Jacquemus takes archetypal French concepts like the Breton stripe and spins them on their head, working in the space between commercial and conceptual. He cites the Japanese brand Comme des Garçons as one of his referential points.
Jacquemus moved to Paris when he was 18 and briefly enrolled at the École Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode. In 2009, a year after the passing of his mother, he launched his label under her maiden name, Jacquemus. He began working at the Comme des Garçons store in 2011 to finance his business, after gaining the support of Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe .
His collections have a child-like spirit and sense of freedom, often featuring asymmetrical designs, oversized "stiff" silhouettes, experimental makeup and shoeless or topless models. The designer has his own studio off the Place des Vosges in Le Marais. In 2017, he was invited by the Maison Méditerranéenne des Métiers de la Mode to stage a catwalk in his native Marseille and his Spring/Summer 2018 collection, entitled "La Bomba," was picked up by some of the world's biggest retailers including Selfridges, Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter. He has also launched a collection of footwear and handbags, as well as a men's line.
Jacquemus has a strong social media presence, helped by playful presentation of his images on Instagram, which he runs himself. In this vein, he published a photography book in tandem with the Spring/Summer 2014 collection — "La Grande Motte" — a reference to the Languedoc-Roussilon’s seaside resort and his experiences there as a child.
His playful approach to pushing the boundaries of French fashion has earned him a finalist spot and a special prize at the LVMH Prize in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
VITAL STATISTICS
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreWhat is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreJacquemus: Slouching Towards Luxury
Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus staged an outing at the Fondation Maeght that put his own 'pop luxury' twist on a push upmarket.
Case Study | The Essential Brand Marketing Guide
Building emotional, even inspirational, connections to a product is more critical than ever in fashion and beauty. In today’s hyper-competitive, crowded environment, marketing strategies that make brands stand out and stay culturally relevant need a mix of old and new tactics.
Case Study | The Essential Brand Marketing Guide
Building emotional, even inspirational, connections to a product is more critical than ever in fashion and beauty. In today’s hyper-competitive, crowded environment, marketing strategies that make brands stand out and stay culturally relevant need a mix of old and new tactics.
At Jacquemus, an Ode to Princess Diana
Simon Porte Jacquemus staged his latest show at the Palace of Versailles as part of a brand elevation push. Fittingly for the designer, the collection was inspired not by Marie Antoinette but a people’s princess, reports Dan Thawley.
Jacquemus: A Fashion Star’s Business Vision
For the first-time, the industry’s hottest independent designer—a charismatic, social-media savvy storyteller from the south of France—reveals the financial underpinnings of his burgeoning company and plans for the next phase of growth.
Can Paris Fashion Week Survive a Coronavirus Second Wave?
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and others say they'll stage live runway shows this autumn. But France’s sharp uptick in coronavirus cases could jeopardise organisers’ vision for a fashion week that mixes live-streaming and in-person events.
Can Paris Fashion Week Survive a Coronavirus Second Wave?
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and others say they'll stage live runway shows this autumn. But France’s sharp uptick in coronavirus cases could jeopardise organisers’ vision for a fashion week that mixes live-streaming and in-person events.
Where Does Burberry Go From Here?
This week, everyone will be talking about Burberry's first financial results since the lockdowns and the first major live fashion show in months. Get your BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
Why Fashion ‘Slavery’ Is Making Headlines
Fashion’s mistreatment of garment workers is widespread, but this week, allegations of ‘modern slavery’ at suppliers of British ultra-fast fashion label Boohoo have ignited a firestorm. Why now?
Alex de Betak on Why Fashion Shows Must Change
The sought-after producer is responsible for some of the most opulent and over-the-top fashion shows of the last 30 years. Now he’s going public with efforts to radically reduce the impact of the industry’s most important marketing moments.
Alex de Betak on Why Fashion Shows Must Change
The sought-after producer is responsible for some of the most opulent and over-the-top fashion shows of the last 30 years. Now he’s going public with efforts to radically reduce the impact of the industry’s most important marketing moments.
The Biggest Challenges Facing New Brands and How to Tackle Them
From financing to navigating a shifting retail market, a host of obstacles are standing between emerging designers and sustainable growth.
Nike Stages All-Stops Fashion Show in New York City
The event kicked off the 2020 Olympics conversation while showcasing the sportswear giant’s vast offering across categories, drawing entertainment and fashion industry elite.
More Designers
Giuliano Calza
Founder and Designer, GCDS
Member since 2018
Katie Hillier
Designer, Hillier Bartley
Member since 2013
Richard Quinn
Founder & Creative Director, Richard Quinn
Member since 2018
Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli
Creative Director, Christian Dior; Creative Director, Valentino
Member since 2013