Simon Porte Jacquemus, the founder and creative director of Jacquemus, a Paris-based fashion label, has been named the recipient of the Neiman Marcus Award for Innovation in the Field of Fashion for 2024. The award, which was revived by the American luxury department store last year, recognizes the extraordinary talent and vision of Jacquemus, who has created one of the most imaginative and influential brands in the fashion industry. Jacquemus will be honored along with Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior and Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli, who will receive the Neiman Marcus Awards for Distinguished Service and Creative Impact, respectively.
Jacquemus: A Revolutionary Approach to Fashion
Jacquemus, who launched his eponymous label in 2009 at the age of 19, has quickly established himself as a visionary designer, who has challenged the status quo and captured the cultural agenda with his fresh and innovative approach to fashion. Jacquemus is known for his minimalist and playful designs, which combine geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and unexpected proportions. He is also known for his spectacular and unconventional show presentations, which have taken place in locations such as a lavender field, a pink runway, and the Palace of Versailles.
Jacquemus has also built a powerful and independent brand, which caters to a new generation of customers, who are looking for more authentic and personal experiences. He has developed a loyal and engaged fan base, which includes celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner. He has also used social media and marketing strategies, such as the giant handbag-cars, the 24/24 vending machines, and the ‘Chiquito’ mini bags, to create buzz and demand for his products. He has also collaborated with various brands and artists, such as L’Occitane, Caviar Kaspia, and Jeanne Damas, to create unique and limited-edition collections.
Neiman Marcus: A Commitment to Supporting Talent and Innovation
Neiman Marcus, which was founded in 1907, is a heritage brand that offers a curated selection of luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products, as well as personalized services and experiences, to its customers. Neiman Marcus, which is part of the Neiman Marcus Group, operates 38 stores across the US, as well as an e-commerce platform and a digital magazine.
Neiman Marcus has a long history of supporting talent and innovation in the fashion industry, which is reflected in its annual awards program, which was started in 1938. The awards program, which was brought back in 2023, has expanded to include three categories: Distinguished Service, Creative Impact, and Innovation, to reflect the ever-changing nature of fashion. The awards program aims to celebrate and empower the extraordinary talent that is shaping the design landscape and the cultural agenda.
Geoffroy van Raemdonck, the chief executive officer of the Neiman Marcus Group, said: “Simon is a once-in-a-generation innovator whose vision, design skills, and business prowess have resulted in one of fashion’s most imaginative brands that has quickly resonated with our customers. Neiman Marcus shares his pioneering, experience-driven strategy with over-the-top moments like fantasy gifts and ‘retail-tainment’ activations to create magic for our customers.”
Lana Todorovich, the chief merchandising officer of Neiman Marcus, said: “Simon has built a powerful brand rooted in French spirit with stunning fashion that intimately connects with his engaged brand loyalists. His talent for design and storytelling, coupled with his ability to be both playful and luxurious in his design, has captured the attention of our new luxury clients. Neiman Marcus has a long history of empowering talent, and we are excited to amplify Simon’s influence and bring his coveted designs to our customers.”
The Neiman Marcus Awards Ceremony: A Star-Studded Event
The Neiman Marcus Awards ceremony will take place on March 3, 2024, at the Ritz Paris, during the Paris Fashion Week. The ceremony will bring together industry peers and notables, who will honor the three recipients of the awards. The ceremony will also feature a special performance by a surprise guest, who will be announced later.
The ceremony will also mark the launch of a capsule collection by Jacquemus, which will be exclusively available at Neiman Marcus stores and online. The capsule collection will feature 10 styles, which will showcase the signature aesthetic and craftsmanship of Jacquemus. The capsule collection will also support the social and environmental causes that Jacquemus and Neiman Marcus are passionate about, such as education, diversity, and sustainability.
Jacquemus said: “I am really happy to receive the Neiman Marcus Award, it’s a beautiful recognition for the brand and my team. As an independent designer, I was always keen on being innovative and creative in the design of my collections and also in my communication. It’s always about communicating and creating experiences with our community in a unique way. Jacquemus was always supported by the American market, and especially Neiman Marcus since many years. I warmly thank Neiman Marcus team for this great support and this award.”
