Marc by Marc Grows Up, Sails Away

Marc by Marc is usually a little too much for us:

a little too juvenile, a little too cute, and a little too expensive, given how easily the looks are knocked off by Forever 21.

But this year, there was a new sporty sophistication in the clothes.

We thought the girls looked ready to depart Greenwich on a yacht, circa 1970: there were big brass buttons, little caps, bright shirtdresses, loafers, and even webbed belts.

The accessories were stand-out. The Lego brooches, barrettes, and belt buckles were clever, but it’s the “owl lady” bag that we imagine seeing not only chic high school girls toting, but also their older sisters and moms.

We think this fresh direction is very savvy. After all, there aren’t many 14 year olds who can afford $400 babydoll dresses—and most 25 year olds don’t want to look like them.

—ANNA FIELDING GRIGGS

Sasha and Chanel cross paths on the runway
Marc finale 1.jpg
Carine applauds the show
Marc Finale 2.jpg
The finale
Marc!!.jpg
Your bag, next spring (as worn by Behati)

Pink lady Lily Donaldson

Ali Michael after the show

posted by joana

Sep 12, 2007 5:02PM

i cant wait to see a closer up look of the bags when they eventually do come out. other than the side images at style.

posted by blah

Sep 12, 2007 5:06PM

nautical huh? even when it was clearly inspired by 60s flight attendants. learn your influences before you take your opinion to the public.

posted by AFG

Sep 12, 2007 5:29PM

@Blah

I thought the clothes spoke for themselves but:

"seaport short", "seaport skirt", "parchment nautical dress", "nautical stripe skirt","parsnip silk cotton faille sailor pant".

Those are verbatim descriptions from the Marc by Marc run of show packet.

posted by leia

Sep 12, 2007 5:38PM

I'm excited about the rolling luggage......I wonder if that will be a permanent addition to the Marc by Marc brand. I know they made some for Marc Jacobs collection to sell in the stores......

posted by Miss Jeffrey

Sep 12, 2007 6:00PM

I thought Marc by Marc Jacobs was for cool young kids who have cash?!? I also know plenty of people in their late 30s that pull those types of looks together already, on a daily basis.

(keep in mind that marc is a native new yawkah from the upper west side, and his parents were agents at william morris, he's never been geared towards low-budget kiddies.) what was the name of that high-end boutique he used to work at up on 72nd & Amsterdam??

posted by Alphi

Sep 12, 2007 8:18PM

Ali Michael looks so different (in terms of what she was wearing). I once saw her in Union Square with her mom wearing a big freshmanie backpack and very clean cut high school student-esque clothes.

posted by Kevin K

Sep 12, 2007 8:49PM

if this is the direction marc by marc is going, i am no longer shopping there (i'm speaking of the men's side of the collection). there are enough "sophisticated, mature" brands out there which is why i always loved marc by marc-- it gave me a chance to dress my age. besides, growing up is overrated anyway.

posted by i dont just like you. i like you, like you.

Sep 13, 2007 9:58AM

lets get a DIY going on those lego belts, huh girls?

Sep 13, 2007 4:06PM

@Kevin K

To each his/her own! I stopped buying Marc by Marc and gave away my old pieces after my second year of college, because I thought the clothes looked too little girly.

@Miss Jeffrey

It's true, Marc has never targeted kids on a budget. But with previous seasons, a lot of the stuff only looked right for younger girls (at least to me). This collection could work on women in college and older, and they have more buying power so it seems like a smart business move.

Sep 13, 2007 5:01PM

@ AFG
That's my point, I always thought this collection was geared towards older college girls and young working women. Junior editors, junior acct. mgrs, superior interns, etc. The same goes for the menswear. If Kevin wants to stop buying, that means for me. I love clothes that make me look younger.