(NEW YORK) Marc by Marc Jacobs will be helmed by someone otherwise than Marc himself for the first time in the brand’s history, and it’s double the talent acquisition. Luella Bartley makes her big comeback as design director, four years after her eponymous ready-to-wear line shuttered, and Katie Hillier has been named creative director. Hillier is already quite familiar with the Marc by Marc aesthetic: she’s been freelancing for the line for years, on accoutrements ranging from bags to watches to specs. In her new capacity, Hillier will helm all womenswear for the offshoot line. There are no changes to Marc by Marc for men as of now.
Hillier and Bartley go way back: The former designed accessories soon after Bartley launched her line, Luella, in 1999. In their latest gigs, it was Hillier got free reign of her team, thus bringing Bartley on board. Besides her namesake line, Bartley made her mark at Mulberry back in 2002, with a capsule collection that proved reinvigorating for the Brit brand. The duo will be based in London, and will work closely (read: not trample any toes) with longtime Marc artistic director Venetia Scott. All in all? Get ready for a revamped Marc by Marc! Will the ’70s obsession get subdued? Stay tuned…
ALEXANDRA ILYASHOV
