The Ziegfeld Theater is something of an iconic landmark for Manhattanites. The single-screen movie theater opened in 1969 and has since been used for movie premieres; exceptionally, it was the venue for the Marc Jacobs Spring 2016 ready-to-wear show–and when we say show, we mean extravaganza. Guests, including the legendary Bette Midler, actress Winona Ryder, and director and friend Sofia Coppola rubbed shoulders with cigarette girls in fishnets as they made their way to their plush seats to view Marc Jacobs’ first show following the company’s aspiration of Marc by Marc Jacobs into this principal line (the designer was also the creative director of Louis Vuitton from 1997-2014).
The collection was an explosive love letter to America, fashion, and Jacobs’ own personal nostalgia. The red, white, and blue star-spangled banner put on a mighty show under the native New Yorker’s creative direction. The stars were woven to create long, shimmy skirts; blue plaid shirts were styled over pailette skirts; and coats featured prints of rows of cinema spectators wearing 3D glasses. There were Bobcats jerseys; and joggings featuring sketches embroidered with a technique that reminded of drawings one would find in Jacobs’ personal diary. A sailor suit recalled the romanticism of America’s heroic seafarers; and a varsity jacket featured a cheeky Playboy badge. There was a nostalgia for the innocence of “the first time.” And whether the models dripped in sequins and lace, or were clad in plaid, their faces, made up by François Nars, all told the same story of a woman who had not only lived—but survived. Marc Jacobs! For One Night Only! Indeed, this grunge and glamour show is one for the books.
