Marc Jacobs has officially thrown his hat into the ring for one of fashion’s most prestigious positions: the creative director role at Chanel. With the fashion industry undergoing rapid shifts—marked by a string of high-profile exits and appointments this year, such as Kim Jones’ departure from Fendi and Sarah Burton’s move to Givenchy—Jacobs’ candid interest in Chanel has captured significant attention. During an interview this week, he expressed his ambition openly, saying, “There’s only one job I want,” referring to Chanel. Jacobs has even enlisted filmmaker Sofia Coppola, a close friend and a regular collaborator with Chanel, to voice his support for the role. While Coppola herself noted it would be “a dream” to see him in the position, she acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with Chanel’s leadership.
The excitement surrounding this potential move is rooted in Jacobs’ reputation for bold, theatrical designs, a quality often associated with Chanel’s legendary Karl Lagerfeld, who held the post for 36 years until his passing in 2019. Jacobs’ unique style and his willingness to challenge conventions have led many to speculate that he could bring a fresh, invigorating vision to the Chanel legacy, possibly echoing the provocativeness that Lagerfeld once brought to the brand. Virginie Viard’s departure from Chanel in June left the fashion house without a creative director for the first time in years, sparking industry-wide speculation on who could be the next visionary for the role.
Although Chanel has yet to comment on potential candidates or timelines, Jacobs’ public bid and his proven track record in the fashion world make him a compelling choice for the maison, which many believe is seeking a dynamic, globally recognized leader to evolve Chanel’s brand further in today’s fashion landscape.
