Marc Jacobs x VOGUE
By: Jillian Antretter
VOGUE has announced a special guest editor for their December 2024 issue, and the fashion industry is obsessed. On November 10th, VOGUE revealed that Marc Jacobs will be the first guest editor alongside Anna Wintour, a duo who have long fueled the fashion industry with their vision and influence. What’s better, getting to witness the first guest editor of VOGUE, or seeing Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs with matching bobs? Personally, I think both.
In the past, French Vogue and British Vogue have welcomed a guest editor, which is something Anna Wintour has always admired. Since the recent presidential election, Ms. Wintour has felt a wave of emotions, and struggled with still needing to create a magazine even in the midst of her sadness and disappointment in the election. She decided to do something she had never done before, and offered an amazing opportunity to her long time friend, and iconic designer, Marc Jacobs.
It all happened over lunch, which is something the two are known to enjoy together, no different from their usual routine. This was until Anna Wintour handed Jacobs an envelope saying “It is a mood board of sorts, of what your issue might look like if you want to do it.” Anna Wintour knew there was no one else she wanted by her side, and if Marc Jacobs declined the offer, she would carry on with her normal routine. Marc Jacobs of course accepted the offer and knew he wanted to do something that celebrates fashion and creativity.
The industry can't get over the fact that American Vogue has made history by appointing its first ever guest editor. This is a big deal because VOGUE has always followed a strict editorial structure under Wintour’s direction. Allowing Jacobs to come on as guest editor breaks tradition in the history of the brand. VOGUE is known for showcasing a wide range of fashion which highlights the evolution of the industry. By bringing in a guest editor, the magazine is opening the door to even more change and a fresh perspective. Marc Jacobs brings this shift to life, embodying a new chapter for VOGUE.
As one of America’s most popular designers; known for his bold and innovative designs as well as his passion for art, cinema, theater, music, and even his nails; Marc Jacobs has always had an aura that Anna Wintour deeply admires. The theme of the December issue centers around artistry, the freedom of dance, youthful energy, Marc Jacobs’ own legacy, and most importantly, collaboration.
I know what you're all probably wondering: Who did they choose for the cover? At first Marc Jacobs wanted Ms. Wintour to be the cover, but she refused and told Jacobs to “move on.” That's when Jacobs knew he wanted Kaia Gerber as the cover of the December issue. The American model, actress, and daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, was given the opportunity to be featured on two distinct covers for this issue. Jacobs explained that he chose Gerber because of their long friendship and most importantly “because of how she looks and who she is, she has a good sense of people's assumptions.” Admiring her self-awareness and confidence in the fashion world and public eye, and how she is easily able to navigate the complexities of being in the spotlight.
One cover is photographed by Steven Meisel and another is painted by artist Anna Weyant. Both Marc Jacobs and Anna Wintour wanted to feature two separate covers because it highlights the blend of art and fashion, and symbolizes the power of collaboration within the making of the issue. Each piece worn by Kaia Gerber on the cover of the December 2024 issue comes from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection. The cover titled Kaia Gerber “Larger than life”, features her in a bold and inspired piece that highlights Marc Jacobs love for a chaotic and over-the-top aesthetic. Showcasing oversized elements and a sense of youthful glamor, Marc Jacobs' love for exaggerated silhouettes and the power of color shines through in this doll-like look. The other cover features Gerber dressed in an off-shoulder pale blue floral dress, also from Marc Jacobs Fall 2024 collection. Painted by artist Anna Weyant, the image is intended to portray Gerber as a “young woman looking at a young woman.” This has since become Jacobs’ favorite part to this cover, admiring how it aligns with the concept of new perspectives and celebrates the importance of detail in the issue.
Marc Jacobs becoming the first-ever guest editor of American Vogue also marks a moment in fashion history: a wave of challenge, growth and innovation for VOGUE. Further encouraging the fashion world to never stay the same and use creativity to push boundaries. Thanks to Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, and the stunning Kaia Gerber, we’re left with one question: What's next for VOGUE?