‘I just don’t think there’s shame in being vain’
Over the past few weeks, Marc Jacobs has been documenting his facelift surgery recovery on Instagram. Breaking up his usual OOTD mirror selfies and make-up looks, this has included a bandaged up photo post-op, a photo laying in a ‘healing’ oxygen therapy bed, and many bruised and swollen selfies showcasing the “#RoadToRecovery”.
Now, in an interview with Vogue, the designer opened up about the procedure and combating the shame associated with cosmetic surgery.
“I’ve got some scars around my ears, and my face is swollen, and I have a bruised neck, but I’m still posting on Instagram,” said the designer. “I don’t care. I don’t even see it as an effort to be transparent. I’m doing what I normally do, which is I’m living my life and sharing it with anybody who is interested.”
So far, the posts have gathered up supportive comments from Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, fellow designers Harris Reed and Charles Jeffrey, model Adut Akech, Real Housewives’ star Lisa Rinna, and more. Otherwise, fans have responded, applauding Jacobs’ openness amid the stigmas surrounding cosmetic enhancement.
“It’s just funny how many people responded to my posts in that way of like, ‘Thank you for your transparency, your transparency is everything,’” said the designer. “I think you just need to start a conversation, and then maybe that will have a resounding echo that helps people feel less ashamed.”
According to his surgeon for the procedure, Dr. Andrew Jacono, the designer’s transparency could also clear up confusion from the public about celebrities’ idealised appearances. “The people who look good never talk about it.” he said. “When someone of Marc’s status is sharing, it helps people realise that there are things we all can do to maintain ourselves and enhance our appearance.”
Jacobs, himself, stated: “It seems so crazy when an actor or public figure denies that they’ve done something. They say like, ‘Oh, it’s olive oil, I bathe in seltzer.’ It's like, come on. Like all those things might be true, but they're not why your neck is tight.”
Further, he explained that it felt “normal” to be open about these types of topics. “I mean, there have been so many things that I’ve been transparent about,” he noted. “Like, once when I went to an event with a baseball cap, and people asked me, ‘Why are you wearing a baseball cap?’ And I said, ‘Well, I just had a hair transplant.’ People were amused and amazed that I answered.”
The designer added: “I find there is no shame in being vain. I find there’s no shame in wanting attention. I find there’s no shame in getting dressed up and showing off a look. Those are some of the things that give me pleasure. Self-care on every level… External and internal wellness are really important. I say the same thing about all of it, which is that the better I feel about myself, the better I’m able to be to others.”