Anna Wintour once asked Simon Porte Jacquemus if he ever wanted to lead a "big" fashion house one day. Unabashedly, the French designer replied, "I have a big house. It's called Jacquemus."
Simon definitely knows what he's talking about. Despite being one of the newer kids in the world of fashion, his eponymous label has already gained recognition for its minimal yet bold aesthetic. Fashion girls from all corners of the the globe proudly don his work, with the likes of Jennie Kim, Dua Lipa, and Gigi Hadid only being a few examples.
Ahead, we delve into Jacquemus' ethos and the sentimental roots that led to its status as an "it" brand.
Table of Contents
- How Jacquemus Started
- What Jacquemus Is Today
- The Most Iconic Jacquemus Bags
- The Most Iconic Jacquemus Shoes
- Filipino Celebrities Spotted Wearing Jacquemus
How Jacquemus Started
Simon was raised in the Provence countryside of France under the guidance of his parents who worked as farmers. In 2009, the then 19-year-old moved to Paris in pursuit of a career as a designer. He initially enrolled in the École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode, ESMOD for short, to learn the basics of running a maison.
He eventually dropped the course, expressing that, for him, fashion is "spontaneous" and therefore can't be studied. Simon then spent some time interning for Commes des Garcons, where he caught the eye of Adrian Joffe, current president of the brand and husband of its founder Rei Kawakubo.
After only a month, his foray into the scene was disrupted by the untimely passing of his mother. It was then that Simon decided it was time to start his own brand, naming it after his first-ever muse.
"My mother died, without any reason, at 42. I realized everything could stop tomorrow. I told myself, 'You need to live your life,'" he was quoted saying.
What Jacquemus Is Today
Soon after its inception, Jacquemus held its first show at Paris Fashion Week in 2012. It then became a finalist for LVMH's Prize for Young Designers in 2014, and a year later, won the Special Jury Prize. The brand quickly grew a following, thanks to its raw and playful yet sophisticated and well-tailored designs that reflected Simon's provincial upbringing. Come 2017, they debuted their first iteration of the Le Chiquito, inadvertently launching the micro bag trend.
Through the years, Jacquemus has pushed the envelope with its unique and immersive runways. Rather than traditional catwalks, they've held shows in settings that are open to the elements, allowing the clothes to be one with nature. Some of their most notable presentations include a tropical-themed affair in Hawaii and an idyllic afternoon in an open wheat field.
One of the brand's aces is their innovative approach to marketing. They signal the new season's offerings through imaginative activations, from Bambinos racing through Paris to a Mule Plat Ballet speeding through the sea.
Their pop-up concepts have also gained attention for their off-kilter and experiential architecture. One such example is the Le Cafe Fleurs in Seoul, which promoted their La Bambimou last 2023.
Through these efforts, Simon has proven just how "big" Jacquemus has become. At its core, the label is more than just the trends it sets or the gimmicks it employs. Harking back to how his mom influenced his craft, the founder and creative director stated, "Now I can be happy about it. I’m never sad. I’m not obsessed with being the best or the biggest. I just want to stay free."
Where To Shop Jacquemus in the Philippines
ICYDK: Jacquemus has officially landed in Philippine waters.
Locally, pieces from the cult-favorite brand are exclusively available at the UNIVERS store located in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Their current selection features several ready-to-wear pieces, and their signature top handles, including the Le Chiquito and Le Bambino.
The Most Iconic Jacquemus Bags
Jacquemus' roster of bags showcases the brand's thrust of not taking fashion too seriously. All constructed in Italy, these designs are at relatively accessible price points for a French luxury brand.
Le Chiquito
Undeniably the MVP of this line-up is the Le Chiquito and all of its toy-like iterations. While it directly translates to "small," the piece packs a big punch with its trapezoidal silhouette and rounded top handle.
Le Chiquito Moyen Boucle, $975 (approximately P54,881.29), JACQUEMUS, jacquemus.com
Le Bambino
Treat Le Bambino as Le Chiquito's younger sister. Distinguished by its signature flap detail and rectangular shape, the tote is capacious and can be worn as either a handbag or a crossbody. The puffy, bubblegum pink Le Bambimou is sure to satisfy a sartorial sweet tooth.
Le Bambimou, $1195 (approximately P67,264.76), JACQUEMUS, jacquemus.com
Le Panier Soli
The majority of Simon's work transports its patrons to the French Riviera, which would be the ideal place to bring the Le Panier Soli. The basket bag makes use of an intricate weaving method that perfectly collaborates with the leather paneling.
Le Petit Panier Soli, $510 (approximately P28,707.14), JACQUEMUS, jacquemus.com
Check out all of Jacquemus' best bags here.
The Most Iconic Jacquemus Shoes
The brand's shoe offerings are what you imagine to be on the feet of the modern French woman. Stilletos experience a quirky makeover, ballet flats adopt a fresh silhouette, and even sneakers get Jacquemus-ified.
Portofino Pumps
Out of all the heels in their selection, the Portofino pumps remain to be the maison's most sought-after pair. The ankle-wrap sandals are distinguished by the beads and gold detailing on its heels.
Portofino Ankle-Wrap Pumps, resells for $495 (approximately P27,698.22), JACQUEMUS, therealreal.com
Les Mules Plates Ballet
Recently exhibited at their F/W 2024 show, these ballet flats boast of a straight square toe. Punctuating the leather steppers are the most adorable bows.
Les Mules Plates Ballet, €540 (approximately P32,538.78), JACQUEMUS, jacquemus.com
Air Humara
Jacquemus began its relationship with Nike in 2023 when they first launched the Air Humara in all of its hot pink glory. The collaboration has since birthed an array of elevated kicks.
Air Humara Pink Flash, P9395, JACQUEMUS, nike.com
Check out all of Jacquemus' best shoes here.
Filipino Celebrities Spotted Wearing Jacquemus
Anne Curtis
A gal who has her fingers on fashion's pulse, Anne Curtis has evidently caught the Jacquemus fever. She once went twinning with Jennie Kim, rocking a risque Le Maille cardigan in a soft-hued green.
One of her daily uniforms is a khaki suit set from the French maison. It proved to be the ideal summer attire thanks to the oversized blazer and the teeny-tiny shorts.
Kathryn Bernardo
This "good girl" was turning up the heat in this backless number from Jacquemus' S/S 2022 collection. Fun fact: This was the same dress Gigi Hadid wore when she did her iconic hair flip on the catwalk!
Kathryn has added a couple of the brand's chic totes to her collection. One of her go-to's is a white Le Bambino Grand, which she reaches for on her off-duty days.
Belle Mariano
Beaming like the summer sun, Belle Mariano was also spotted rocking the S/S 2022 frock but in a shorter version.
The actress is particularly a fan of the Le Chiquito, bringing them along on her overseas trips. She has one in pink, as well as in brown.
Kyline Alcantara
Another Gen Z star on the Jacquemus train is Kyline Alcantara. She was the chicest in a sculptural little black dress plucked out of the house's Fall 2017 selection.
For the 2023 GMA Gala, the actress was a vision of regality in an ivory-hued peplum gown dotted with paillettes. Such a stunning piece starred in Jacquemus' Fall 2022 runway presentation.
Janine Gutierrez
Who could forget Janine Gutierrez' vibrant New York Fashion Week debut? Perfectly coordinating with her zesty Martin Bautista tulle dress was a micro Le Chiquito and a pair of Portofino pumps.
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