Chances are you already know this because we haven’t stopped talking about it for months, but fashion is experiencing a period of flux. Creative directors are switching brands at a record rate, with top jobs opening up as designers depart, and an endless rumour mill predicting who will be next to topple. This year alone, we’ve seen former Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton join Givenchy, Haider Ackermann replace Peter Hawkings after just one year at Tom Ford, Kim Jones leave Fendi, Alessandro Michele head to Valentino, and Hedi Slimane depart Celine – and that’s just the icing on the cake.
Despite those industry-wide machinations, one top role that’s failed to find an occupant is the house of Chanel. Back in June, Virgine Viard departed the brand’s creative director spot after five years, ending a 30-year career at the house, working as Karl Lagerfeld’s right-hand-woman for the majority of that. Though rumours have swirled for months of who might fill that position, one designer has emerged from the woodwork to firmly throw his hat in the ring. “There’s only one job I want,” Marc Jacobs said this week, “and I haven’t been asked to do it.”
The admission took place in an interview in the WSJ Magazine this week, where the 61-year-old designer discussed his unparalleled career and his hopes for the future of fashion. Jacobs’ very public candour about fashion’s most coveted role is at odds with most other designers, who prefer to keep schtum when discussing these kinds of things. Despite that, Jacobs also revealed in the same interview that he asked bestie Sofia Coppola – who regularly works with the house – to put in a good word for him. “Unfortunately I’m not in charge”, Coppola is quoted as telling the magazine in response, but also added that it’s her “dream” for Jacobs to become creative director. Many others probably share that dream too – the American designer is arguably more qualified than most – but only time will tell if Chanel takes heed of his desires and finally puts him in the top job.
Scroll through the gallery above to see Marc Jacobs’ AW24 collection