Marc Jacobs

Concept & Research: Working alongside creative directors and senior designers, I helped drive the trend research and conceptualization of this collection’s aesthetic. We referenced outdoor/ski workwear, utilitarian gear, vibrant knitwear and art-collective prints, then translated that into storyboards and colour/material directions.

Print/Textile & Material Development: Collaborated with the AVAF team to adapt their graphic aesthetic into wearable textiles — particularly in developing intarsia knits, needle-punch graphics, and all-over prints that balanced visual impact with production feasibility.

As a designer on the Menswear team, I had responsibility across several phases of the collection.

Silhouette & Garment Design: I designed key pieces within the collection such as the convertible ski jacket (packable/convertible feature), the mohair striped après-ski sweater, and cargo canvas pants. I worked on pattern development, prototyping and liaised with sample makers to asset execution of exaggerated yet wearable silhouettes.

Production & Execution: I supported the translation of design into production, ensuring that print placements, fabric weights, finishes (e.g., faux fur trims, Velcro detailing) met quality standards and runway-ready timing. I also coordinated with suppliers and internal production team to ensure material delivery and sample sign-off.

Utility + Outdoor Heritage: The collection borrowed from ski, snow-sport and military outdoors: bomber/parkas, cargo trousers, heavy denim jumpsuits, nylon shells with convertible features. These pieces give structure, function and gravitas to the collection. Vogue

Artistic/Graphic Expression: AVAF’s signature playful, psychedelic graphics and color explosions permeated the collection — in knits, prints, intarsia and patchwork. The art-collective collaboration allowed for bold visual identity that still remained wearable.

Wearability + Streetwear Attitude: The silhouettes were exaggerated but still rooted in menswear foundations (outerwear, tailoring references, knits). We leaned into “street” by introducing relaxed cuts, cargo details and layering, but balanced with high-quality fabrication and refined finishing.

The approach for Fall 2015 hinged on combining three key tensions: utility, artistic exuberance, and wearability.

Collaborative design: Working directly with an art collective meant translating spontaneous, expressive visuals into workable textile/knit formats — bridging art and production.

Technical outerwear & material execution: The utility/outdoor-inspired pieces demanded rigorous attention to material performance, finishes, and fabrication within a fashion schedule.

Key Takeaways

The collection was noted by Vogue as a standout for its “mischievous … spirit” and blending of heavy materials with graphic knits and prints. It helped reposition the Marc by Marc Jacobs menswear line into a more adventurous, youth-oriented art + utility direction, reinforcing the brand’s creative credibility. From a personal design-craft standpoint, the collection strengthened my skills in aligning artistic collaborations (AVAF) with commercial menswear output, navigating print/knit development, and executing technically complex outerwear and knitwear in a fast-paced seasonal environment.

Balancing brand identity evolution: We pushed the menswear line into more expressive territory, while ensuring the collection remained true to the brand’s ethos and market viability