Fashion

Marc Jacobs Throws It Back To 90s Grunge

Few designers make history—it’s just an unfortunate aspect of sameness in the space. But, there are legit trailblazers. Those who introduce something wholly unique—sometimes it’s well received and sometimes it’s years later when critics and fans appreciate the mind-bending nature of what has been created. Of note: Christian Dior introducing the New Look of femininity; Alexander McQueen creating the bumster; and, none other than Marc Jacobs, who brought grunge into fashion.

Jacobs’ controversial spring 1993 collection for American clothing manufacturer Perry Ellis famously put an end to his employment, but also marked the beginning of his trailblazing and innovative career, that changed the direction of contemporary womenswear.

The collection was critically slammed by the press refusing to qualify grunge as a tangible fashion inspiration. On a side note, it did receive some positive feedback in the face of American Vogue‘s then Creative Director Grace Coddington—as a result, Kristen McMenamy graced the December issue’s pages in a risky editorial shot by young Steven Meisel.

In the 90s, it seemed like Jacobs went along with the subculture zeitgeist putting bands like Nirvana and Hole on a pedestal. Religiously dedicated to their “anti-fashion” god, Kurt Cobain’s followers even threatened they’d wash their hair as a protest against Jacobs’ polished commercial catwalk remake.

How times have changed, though: Twenty-five years later, Perry Ellis congratulated Marc Jacobs on revitalizing the “first of its kind collection” of 26 key looks.

The campaign is shot by Juergen Teller and styled by Katie Grand, and features Gigi Hadid and Dree Hemingway. The collection was premiered by Lady Gaga on ELLE’s November issue cover.

Fans can get their hands on it November 15th at marcjacobs.com and in selected boutiques and department stores.