Marc Jacobs

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

 (Biography Provided by Wikipedia.org)

Marc Jacobs (born April 9, 1963) is an American fashion designer and the head designer for Marc Jacobs, as well as the diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jacobs is currently the Creative Director of the French design house Louis Vuitton.

Marc Jacobs was born in New York City.^[1] He attended The New School, studying at the university's art and design division, Parsons The New School for Design.^[2] He lived in Teaneck, New Jersey with his mother, sister and younger brother, and attended Teaneck High School but also attended and graduated from the New York High School of Art and Design.^[3] At fifteen, Jacobs worked as a stockboy at Charivari, an avant-garde clothing boutique in New York City.^[4] From there, Jacobs entered The New School in New York City. During his tenure at Parsons, Jacobs won the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award in 1984 and in the same year was also awarded the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award and the Design Student of the Year Award.
While still at Parsons, Jacobs designed and sold his first line of hand-knit sweaters. He designed his first collection for Reuben Thomas, Inc., under the Sketchbook label. Following his studies at Parsons, Jacobs began to design at Perry Ellis after its founder had died. Jacobs became prominent on the fashion scene when he designed a "grunge" collection for Perry Ellis, leading to his dismissal in 1993.^{[citation needed]} With Robert Duffy, Jacobs formed Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc., which continues to this day. In 1986, backed by Onward Kashiyama USA, Inc., Jacobs designed his first collection bearing the Marc Jacobs label. In 1987, Jacobs was the youngest designer to have ever been awarded the fashion industry's highest tribute, The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.^{[citation needed]}
Jacobs and Duffy joined the women's design unit of Tristan Russo in 1989 as Vice President and President, respectively. In addition, Jacobs oversaw the design of the various women's licensees. In 1992, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, once again bestowed Jacobs with a great honor: The Women's Designer of the Year Award. In 1994 he produced his first full collection of menswear.
Jacobs is a prominent fixture in the New York City celebrity scene, having become something of a celebrity himself. The audience for his fashion shows typically includes celebrities like Kim Gordon and Vincent Gallo.^[5] Most of his collections make references to the fashions of past decades from the forties to the eighties. Disputing the claim by the designer Oscar de la Renta that Jacobs is a mere copyist, The New York Times critic Guy Trebay has written "unlike the many brand-name designers who promote the illusion that their output results from a single prodigious creativity, Mr. Jacobs makes no pretense that fashion emerges full blown from the head of one solitary genius".^[6] Explaining his clothes, Jacobs has said "what I prefer is that even if someone feels hedonistic, they don't look it. Curiosity about sex is much more interesting to me than domination. ... My clothes are not hot. Never. Never."^[7]
In May 2009, Jacobs hosted the 'Model and Muse' themed Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York with Kate Moss.
In April 2010, Marc Jacobs was chosen to be among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.^[8]

Get on your cheer... Christmas is near!

1 month and counting...

Today is the American Thanksgiving, which means the "official" start to holiday shopping and spirit will be in full swing tomorrow marked by Black Friday. As the halls get decked with holly, lights shinning bright we can't help but get excited as this holiday season is in full force. As Black Friday starts at midnight tonight, people line the streets awaiting with high anticipation the deals that they will find, on the best "must haves" of the season to place under the Christmas tree for their love ones. One crazy day, filled with deals, people by the dozen and a large portion checked off people's Christmas lists.

So here's to wishing everyone in the United States a very Happy Thanksgiving & may we let the shopping season commence.

La la la la la la

New Song by Natasha Bedingfield

La la la la la la
Everyday I fight for
All my future somethings
A thousand little awards
I have to choose between
I could spend a lifetime
Earning things I don’t need
That’s like chasing rainbows
And coming home empty
And if you strip me,
Strip it all away
If you strip me,
What would you find
If you strip me,
Strip it all away
Ill be alright
Take what you want
Steal my pride
Build me up
Or cut me down to size
Shut me out
But I’ll just scream
Im only one voice in a million
But you aint taking that from me
Oh oh no you aint taking that from me x 4
I dont need a microphone
To say what I been thinking
My heart is like a loudspeaker
Thats always on eleven
And if you strip me,
Strip it all away

Words of advice from a PR Grad...

PR & The "Real World"

As a Public Relations student we anxiously await the endless possibilities the real world holds for us as we prepare to make our mark on the world. With an abundance of industries to enter, we prepare to take on the responsibilities and demanding tasks we will face in our chosen industry.  What is it really like and what struggles should we be prepared to take on as we enter the field? When talking to Krista Bennett a Public relations graduate from Mohawk College we get an insight into the challenges and rewarding experiences she faces in her position at the Cancer Society; Krista does Public Relations and communications for the Smoker’s Help Line.

As we prepare to enter the work force we all can’t help but wonder how vastly different the ‘real world’ will differ from the school world. Krista explains that “I think that as a Mohawk student you are very fortunate, because your professors are from the PR industry. Their advice in the school environment is directly from the field.  My advice, however, would be to never cease learning. This is probably the last thing you want to hear as a student who is itching to graduate, but the industry changes so quickly you cannot afford to fall behind. Learning does not always have to be in the form of formal education – start following PR influencers on Twitter and read their blogs. Join a professional association and take advantage of their resources. You will almost always stumble across something you didn’t know, and that you can directly apply to your job.”

A lot of times school can’t prepare you for the challenges that will arise in your industry, Krista’s advice was “Without a doubt, hard work. I am by no means more brilliant than the next person. And, I didn’t have a single connection to leverage to get hired or move up. But, I am willing to put in the hours I need to do my job well and to achieve results. It sounds cliché, but it is true.”

“In not-for-profit communications, specifically, I often face stretched resources. I do not have enough hours in a day to accomplish everything I’d like to. And, my budget is never large enough,” Krista goes on to say “the people in this industry are so bright and inspiring. For example, I sit on the executive board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Golden Horseshoe Chapter. Just to be at the table with my colleagues there is an honour. The work is challenging and truly different every single day. I love the type of work that I do and I am just so excited to see what my long term career holds.’

With the world of PR constantly evolving and changing Krista gave me insight as to where she feels this industry will be going in the next 5 years “The PR industry has changed since I graduated 2 ½ years ago, which leads me to believe that in another 5 years we are going to have to be one flexible bunch of professionals! I see the industry as being exponentially influenced by social technology. As PR professionals, we are going to have to be concise, unique and adaptable. -Transparency is going to be more important than ever, because we are no longer the one and only source. Journalists can check our facts faster than we can say them. We have to rethink how we communicate with our audiences. Traditional media will not be the only avenues. Citizen journalists/bloggers are more and more prominent and they aren’t always receptive to our traditional tactics. They don’t respond well to embargoes or fluff. As their credibility grows, so does their free reign. Content creators are allowed to be opinionated and casual. We’ll have to learn to speak to our audiences through this medium.”

Daily tasks in a not-for-profit agency consist of scanning my media monitoring sources for any relevant news stories, tuning into my social media properties to start engaging with our stakeholders, respond to e-mails (I get over 100 a day on average) it really depends on what my priorities are each particular day. Sometimes we are in the middle of an active campaign and I will be writing media materials, testing the website, coordinating ad buys, planning events, etc. Other times, I can be more strategic and do some long-term planning.

As we prepare to graduate we are faced with an abundance of competition and scarce jobs out in the world, I asked Krista is there anything you find employers look for from PR graduates that would be an asset to have over competition we’ll face; Krista stated “Despite our recovering economy, the PR industry has fierce competition right now. We had a junior level posting out recently and the caliber of applicants was astonishing. This means that you have t o find a way to stand out during the application process. Your resume and cover letter should be reflective of the type of work you would do. Put your work samples online so that I know you are worth interviewing. Be meticulous with grammar – no one will notice if your writing is perfect but they will definitely notice if it is not. Employers are also looking for PR professionals to be skilled in multiple areas. As budgets are cut back, you might need to take on a little bit of everything. Be prepared to be a spokesperson, manage a website, write for many mediums, coordinate an ad campaign, etc. “

In closing, I asked Krista as a graduate of the Mohawk College Public Relations Program is there anything you would like to say, recommend or advise PR students class of 2010/2011, that we can take away with us into the field or help us to be prepared for?

“Every day of class is valuable. Your professors are from the industry and there is so much to learn from them. I kept all of my notes and assignments and referred to them regularly during my first year of work. When your employer asks you to write a PSA, you are going to hope that you didn’t miss that day of class! “

With the advice and proven success from Krista a Mohawk College Public Relations graduate, it leaves hope for a bright path for us as we set out to start our careers and make our mark on this ever growing and vastly changing industry also a way to get ahead of the competition.

Video for Smoker's Helpline Ads Posted in Video Section of Blog!

Wastin away again in Margaritaville...

Nibblin on sponge cake, Watchin the sun bake

As we prepare for the cold winter weather we can`t help but let our mind wander to a warm, beach where the sun is shining, drink is in hand and the only noice you hear is the sound of the ocean as it rolls up and touches your toes.

If only that were the reality, for most people they carry on with the hussle and bussle of everyday life; traffic sounds as you dash to work, there is paper mounting by the second to be completed on your desk, laundry is sky high and dinner needs to be made.

Why not escape for a minute to this serene, private and relaxing image you have in mind...or you can make it a reality. With Christmas approaching there are deals by the dozen with airlines such as WestJet and Expedia have a no tax event on seat sale and US Airways flights starting as low as $89 you are closer to making this day dream a reality.

Where do you go to achieve this dream?

From the Florida keys, Bahamas, Bermuda and Aruba the deals and possibilities are endless. Research your ideal destination, learn about the island and what it has to offer. All islands have an abundance of things to do but you need to research to find them, from exotic adventures to historical locations of the islands there is always something to see or do. You can take advantage of as much or as little as you want.

From prestine beaches, to the sound of the ocean to the hot sun beaming down, luxury at its finest.

So if you can`t get away this winter season let your mind wander.

Apple, Sage Moonblood, Pilot & Fifi Trixibelle...

Creative or downright bizarre celeb kid names?

When a celebrity announces they are pregnant the world and media goes on bump watch- making predictions as to what the celebrity is going to have and eagerly awaiting the announcement of the name they have chosen for their newborn.

Like many trends in Hollywood they are hugely popular and then fade away but one trend in Hollywood that seems to have staying power is the naming your child something unique and sometimes bizarre; one wonders if it meant to get the attention of people to get that extra media attention or is there a genuine love of the name?

A list below displays some of the more questionable and deemed weird names of Hollywood`s young:

Gwyneth Paltron & Chris Martin`s Daughter:

Apple

Sylvester Stallone:

Sage Moonblood

Jason Lee`s Son:

Pilot Inspecktor

Steven Spielberg’s Daughter:

Destry Allyn

Bono`s Daughter:

Memphis Eve

Nicholas Cage`s Son:

Kal-El (named after Superman)

So you decide are well known celebrities names for their children unique or just plain weird



In Flander's Field...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Forever We Remember ♥

For all of the fallen and all of those still fighting.. God Bless!

As we bow our heads for 2 minutes of silence we remember every man and woman who has fought and served to help make our country what it is today! So we stand tall and salute them for their service, dedication and honour for everything they have given up and done; so today we stand on guard to remember all the men and women and their valiant battle so their memories and fight is never forgotten.

Lest we forget!

“Stand behind our troops for they stood and fought for you.”

WW1, WW2, Korean War, Pearl Harbour, Iraq

As we prepare to honour all the fallen and fighting soliders tomorrow we sit and are thankful and feel blessed for their service and sacrifice. Men and women are giving up years of their lives to perform the ultimate sacrifice for their country by serving in the military, army, navy, etc. so that you and I can go about our everyday lives safe and protected. Hero's when they leave, hero's while their there and a hero when they return but what happens after the spotlight fades and our veterans are forgotten? A deeply sad and pathetic statistic that exists among us. Our veterans serve, fight and protect then are release with no pension, no job to come home to and debt that accumulates as a result.

What can you do as a business owner or as a caring and concerned citizen of a community surrounded by businesses? You can help to promote and pass on via word of mouth about a company called Civiside.

Civiside is a home-grown initiative that implemented the Guaranteed Interview (GI) Program for Veterans, the GI Program ensures businesses that partner with Civiside will guarantee at least one interview to each military person that applies given they are qualified for the position; a free initiative for both businesses and veterans.

A way to give back to our veterans that incurs no cost and can make a change in their lives- an impact you may see as little or irrelavant but can mean the world to a veteran as they struggle to make that transition from military life to civilian life.

A chance to promote our services which is a free initiative and a great way to give back to our veterans for all their service and dedication. This is a service that is extremely beneficial to them because many people are unaware that 70%+ of military personnel retire without a pension- a very sad statistic given they put their life on the line to fight and serve their country and are forgotten when they come home, if they do at all.  The simple concept of this program is to help transition military personnel into civilian life as well as allowing them access to networking opportunities as many veterans networking circle consist of contacts within the military. Veterans usually have very limited contacts within the community outside their military based networks, this allows them the opportunity to branch out and build new relationships.  Helping to create awareness within communities and get businesses to partner with Civiside to be a part of the GI Program which is a great incentive for them as they are taking on Corporate Social Responsibility, giving back to our veterans all while incurring no cost to their business.

Remember our fallen, help those fighting!

A Good Cause... All in the name of Fashion!

When Fashion meets Charity!  

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”- Coco Chanel

Fashion can make people greedy and throw money at items that will go unused in two months. Money spent to look the part rather than use it towards a good cause. What happens when fashion meets a good cause?

Fashion is power. Fashion draws the likes of everyone who’s deemed “important” to runway shows and events- the perfect recipe for raising money and bringing awareness to a cause worthwhile.

Designers have begun to do just that- they’ve used their art and designs to draw the likes of famous and powerful people to their shows while all money is donated to a cause that is on display for the “big wigs” to take notice and a cause that is close to the designer’s heart.

With widespread media coverage, red carpet interviews, after parties and of course the show all while promoting the charity it can be the chance of a life time to successfully create awareness about a cause and present an interest to people who were unaware and make information about the charity and the cause more known. Eliminating inaccurate statistics and presumptions and giving a deeper look into whose being affected.

Some of the campaigns launched by designers are:

-H&M who hosts shows fight and aid in the research of AIDS

-Kohl’s launching a line to support women’s health in the fight against breast cancer (line designed by Vera Wang)

-New York & Co. hosted fashion show where all proceeds went to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

-Department store Nordstrom held fashion show to support the Children’s Dream Foundations

-San Diego Chargers teammates and Bloomingdales launched a fashion school where all proceeds go to after school programming for underprivileged children in the schools in the San Diego area.

The list goes on and on but a lot of time people are unaware of the good that fashion can do. Fashion is everywhere from the clothes that we wear, to the style of our house interior to the causes it helps.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”-Coco Chanel

Style your career...

Style a client, Produce a show, Design your line.

Fashion is consumed by everyone regardless if you enjoy it and are interested in it,or simply feel you could care less about it. Fashion is everywhere; it can become a habit and a passion. Fashion helps to create and exude personality; it is constantly changing and rapidly exposing the creative arts and vivid minds of those who design lines. Clothing expresses certain looks you try to achieve, can create a personality for all who wear.

Fashion can take on so many other forms in regards to a career aside from designing a line- a career in fashion can be anything from designing and producing a runway show, styling a client or store windows, editing and writing for a magazine or daily column, PR for a fashion company or a fashion client, or it could be owning your own store, the possibilities are endless.

A career in fashion is very fast paced, disposable and constantly evolving. You need to have a passion, strong interest and creative mind in order to keep up in the industry. The fashion industry is filled with the most out spoken, forward and intimidating people one could ever encounter. From the likes of Anna Wintour to Kelly Coutron there is no time for sugar coating a topic, they are simply direct and often times extremely harsh. To make it in the industry you need to be able to have thick skin and take their comments and make changes and let them know that you're here for a reason and be able to deliver.

There are two major seasons in the fashion industry Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter where designers will launch runway shows in fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, NYC and Toronto; all to gain attention and to stay alive in the design game. Each designer competes to wow the audience with their creative, eye catching and drool worthy designs and exotic and sometimes way out there shows that keeps people talking and your name on their lips.

As soon as these shows start they are over and the creation of their new lines are in progress, leaving very little time to reflect and relish on accomplished success. Often times working in this industry is filled with constant pressures and very little compliments but when those jobs are met with congratulations and recognition it makes it all worth the while.

Fashion takes on many forms from haute couture, emo, grunge or even your basic plain jane style there's a little something for everyone and something that interests all whether we like to believe or admit it.


Fashion isn't something that you learn to become, fashion is in everyone. Fashion to some becomes a big part of their life and for others becomes their whole life.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”- Coco Chanel

Tis the Season to Start Spending

With Christmas just around the corner a mere 54 days to be exact, the holiday season has begun.

With stores filling their shelves with Christmas decorations, the Wish Book arriving at door steps, holiday music sounding throughout stores and the cold water upon us it's slowly beginning to look a lot more like Christmas.

Christmas a personal holiday favourite of mine can be the most perfect or most stressful holiday season for many reasons. With tough economic times still upon us the holiday season can put a lot of strain on families. The key to eliminating stress and elevating financial burden all at once is to start early and look for sales.

Malls everywhere are clearing out their fall stuff and making room for their winter and Christmas merchandise, therefore leaving sale signs everywhere. Some stores that have big sales on are Juicy Couture with merchandise up to 75% off, Coach 20% off select merchandise, etc.

Crowds will start swarming the malls and the wait will be hectic but to avoid all that many online sites allow you to do all you’re shopping from the comfort of your own home. With quick and easy deliver service and convenient browsing in your PJ's it can be a more enjoyable experience. Some sites that offer a wide variety of items at lower costs then stores and provide quick and easy shipping is Amazon, Sears, Victoria Secret, etc.

Shopping little by little can easily cross items off your list and eliminate financial stress. Start early so you have time to enjoy the holiday season!

Happy Shopping!

X-Tina & Courtney Cox Breakups!

Most people view celebrities lives as perfect and idealist, the glitz, glamour, money and lavish lifestyle; but is it all worth it with temporary love?

Many say the key to happiness is money- but what happens when you have all the money in the world but it can't find lasting love?  Vacation homes in Malibu & the Hamptons, a yacht in your backyard and divorce papers on your kitchen table; the reality currently for Christina Aguliar and her husband Jordan Bratman as well as Courtney Cox and her husband David Arquette.

In the life of the rich and famous, everyone caters to their every needs, they have achieved more in their 28-45 years of life then most people ever will in a lifetime.

Hollywood creates an image of awe and desire for those of us who are on the outside; for those on the inside it creates a vicious cycle of weight and image battles, power struggles, drug and alcohol problems and life of disposability.

Is happy ever after possible with two celebrities or is it unrealistic to think that to people can really have money, fame and happiness to make a marriage work especially when big ego's are involved?

Maybe a life out of the limelight and with significantly smaller bank accounts might be the better option as long as you have love because I mean what good is all the money when you're alone and don't have anyone to share your life or your lavish lifestyle with... even worse continually question do they love you for you or do they love you for your money and what you can do for them.