Simon Porte Jacquemus was only 19 years old when he launched his eponymous fashion label. Born in the South of France, Jacquemus was inspired by the sun-drenched landscapes, playful rustic charm and elegance of the Mediterranean. Feeling a natural calling to design, Jacquemus left Provence to study at École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris. Following behind the institute’s profound alumni like Thierry Mugler and Balmian’s Christophe Decarnin, Jacquemus studied at ESMOD for 3 months before his mother’s premature death.
Jacquemus labeled his mother as his muse. Her death propelled him into teaching himself sewing practices and techniques through the creation of his own small collections. From the very beginning, Jacquemus began building a strong personal and brand identity. Due to his minimal resources at the start, his earlier designs were very deconstructed in composition yet loud in construction, something that would be a staple of the Jacquemus brand.
A true trailblazer, Jacquemus gained momentum as an artist through Instagram during the app’s first few years. He used the app to showcase his work while also leveraging his own personality and behind the scenes content, building a strong brand and personal identity. While he had eyes on him online, his big break came in 2015 when he was a finalist for the LVMH Prize, gaining the attention of the larger fashion industry.
Jacquemus has largely been set apart from the traditional luxury houses. His exaggerated silhouettes, deconstructed tailoring and color palette is a refreshing splash within the landscape of high-end fashion. Being in control of his own online image has made Jacquemus the mast of cultural moments. In 2018, the young designer debuted the tiny Le Chiquito bag. The miniature purse was an instant sensation. It was almost impossible to escape the bag whether on social media or in real life.
View this post on Instagram
He has not only mastered the art of online marketing but also the art of creating a captivating runway show. Undoubtedly, the most influential was the L’Amour collection. Showcased in a wheat field, it was an entrancing show in the salt flats of Camargue. This was proof that Jacquemus is more than capable of constantly crafting visually stunning spectacles that blur the lines between fashion and storytelling.
View this post on Instagram
As many young designers launch into the mainstream, Jacquemus sets himself apart by making luxury feel accessible for customers. He has embraced the direct-to-consumer model, bypassing traditional fashion week schedules and often drops through surprise launches and experiential events. His use of bold, minimalist branding and clever marketing strategies—such as dressing influencers and celebrities in coordinated looks—has made his label a cult favorite.
With each collection that drops, Jacquemus continues to push the boundaries within the fashion industry while paying homage to his roots. He has already solidified his place as one of the most influential designers of this generation. As he expands his brand, experiments with new designs, visuals and business ventures, one thing is clear: Jacquemus is not just a fleeting phase—he is the future of fashion.
Support Student Media
Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.
