Editor’s note: It’s been a big year for Marc Jacobs. Marc Jacobs celebrates 40 years in the fashion world by becoming American Vogue’s first guest editor. We conclude 2024 with an archival look back at the designer’s career. This Fall 1997 collection, presented in Soho on April 8, 1997, has been digitized as part of Vogue Runway’s ongoing efforts to document the history of fashion shows.
At first glance, Marc Jacobs’ Fall 1997 collection seemed restrained, even Calvinist (a la Calvin Klein), but if these clothes were minimally designed, they were made from high-quality materials. Ta. Waffle knits were made from cashmere, and street-ready hoodies became luxurious sweaters for SoHo yoga moms. In Vogue magazine’s collection report: “A new shocker: Marc Jacobs has cut his hair.” It’s his look of baggy gray flannel pants, an orange cashmere sweatshirt, and pointy 5-inch heels. It’s the perfect new look for a clean, no-frills collection (trendsetters alert: this is the new uniform for downtown).”Think of these stilettos as an exclamation point. These clothes looked quiet, but equally vibrant.
