I recently watched the documentary Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. Jacobs has been the Creative Director and Head Designer for Louis Vuitton since 1997, in addition to designing his own line Marc, by Marc Jacobs. He has been and continues to be wildly successful; LVMH just reported that despite the economy Louis Vuitton continued to increase in sales and profit last quarter. After reflecting on the movie four key lessons jumped out at me.
1. Don’t be afraid of the big risk. Jacobs very first fashion show as Creative Director and Designer for Louis Vuitton he showcased only the clothes of the brand new ready to wear line that he created, not one model carried a handbag. Louis Vuitton is a 150 plus year old company known worldwide for their expertly crafted and highly coveted luxury purses and luggage. That is tantamount to Ray-Ban who is known for their sunglasses to decide they are going to get into the clothing business, stage a Fashion show during Fashion Week, and not have one model wear their world famous sunglasses. For Jacobs to have the gumption not to include even one handbag, gives much insight into his tolerance for risk taking. CEO of parent company LVMH, Bernard Arnault, was stunned to view the show and see that not one bag was featured however the show was a smashing success and catapulted Louis Vuitton's much less popular clothing line into the spotlight. The risk was big, but it paid off.
2. In the movie Mar Jacobs stated, “I don’t have any separation between life and work”. Even in his free time, Jacobs is constantly considering ideas for work. I think this is a great quote, not because I think we should constantly work; but, if we are lucky enough to do what we love - as in the case of Jacobs-, life and work will blend seamlessly together. Work won’t be something dreaded and draining; instead it will be fulfilling and engaging.
3. During the filming of the documentary Marc Jacobs met with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her crazy polka dot designs. Although there was a language barrier they very much enjoyed each other’s company and Kusama ended with telling Jacobs several times, “work very hard, must work very hard”. Yes to get anywhere of import, we must work very hard. So if at all possible, it is best if we pick something we actually like doing to work “very hard” at.
4. When asked about his definition of success, Jacobs didn’t mention goals or money or fame or recognition he said, “I don’t know how to define success, if I can continue to do what I love; I am successful.” This is probably one of the better definition’s of success because how many people can truly say that they get to spend the majority of their time doing what they love.
1. Don’t be afraid of the big risk. Jacobs very first fashion show as Creative Director and Designer for Louis Vuitton he showcased only the clothes of the brand new ready to wear line that he created, not one model carried a handbag. Louis Vuitton is a 150 plus year old company known worldwide for their expertly crafted and highly coveted luxury purses and luggage. That is tantamount to Ray-Ban who is known for their sunglasses to decide they are going to get into the clothing business, stage a Fashion show during Fashion Week, and not have one model wear their world famous sunglasses. For Jacobs to have the gumption not to include even one handbag, gives much insight into his tolerance for risk taking. CEO of parent company LVMH, Bernard Arnault, was stunned to view the show and see that not one bag was featured however the show was a smashing success and catapulted Louis Vuitton's much less popular clothing line into the spotlight. The risk was big, but it paid off.
2. In the movie Mar Jacobs stated, “I don’t have any separation between life and work”. Even in his free time, Jacobs is constantly considering ideas for work. I think this is a great quote, not because I think we should constantly work; but, if we are lucky enough to do what we love - as in the case of Jacobs-, life and work will blend seamlessly together. Work won’t be something dreaded and draining; instead it will be fulfilling and engaging.
3. During the filming of the documentary Marc Jacobs met with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her crazy polka dot designs. Although there was a language barrier they very much enjoyed each other’s company and Kusama ended with telling Jacobs several times, “work very hard, must work very hard”. Yes to get anywhere of import, we must work very hard. So if at all possible, it is best if we pick something we actually like doing to work “very hard” at.
4. When asked about his definition of success, Jacobs didn’t mention goals or money or fame or recognition he said, “I don’t know how to define success, if I can continue to do what I love; I am successful.” This is probably one of the better definition’s of success because how many people can truly say that they get to spend the majority of their time doing what they love.
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