Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2011

Labels come and go, but, for some reason, the announcement of Marc by Marc Jacobs’s upcoming closure made my heart skip a beat. Oh, the memories! For most of us that came into an adulthood in the early 2000s, Marc by Marc Jacobs meant an introduction to designer goods. I remember the first time I spent several hundreds on a Marc by Marc bag; it felt like I’ve arrived in the world. It was teal blue, and it had bows on the two front pockets. I just consigned it last year to much regret. (I’ll make sure to hold onto my last surviving Marc by Marc bag for life.)

Marc by Marc Jacobs sort of introduced the concept of affordable luxury into my life. About ten or fifteen years ago, when one would walk into Holt Renfrew, you would see intimidating racks of YSL and Prada, and you’d speedily make your way to the very tiny contemporary section that mostly consisted of fun and clever Marc by Marc Jacobs, a few ugly L.A.M.B. things, and a slew of Seven jeans. The choice was clear.

I admit, it’s a bit of a mystery why Marc Jacobs decide to let it go. It’s not like it wasn’t selling like hotcakes, because it still was. I suppose after running a million collections in the last few years, it’s not a surprise that he probably wants to concentrate on his flagship line. It’s particularly sad as I loved the last few seasons with designers Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley at the helm. (I’m sure we will see much more of them in the future.)

I can’t help but feel like it’s an end of an era. Kinda feels like losing an old friend. And, I so regret not buying that stripe-y number from Spring 2011, my favourite Marc by Marc collection.