Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue, has made headlines by appointing designer Marc Jacobs as the guest editor for the magazine’s December issue. For an icon like Wintour to hand over her own magazine, a symbol of her legacy, is an unprecedented move. What led to this decision?
According to The New York Times, Wintour offered Jacobs the role during a lunch at Balthazar, a popular restaurant in New York. “I thought, It’s going to be a very emotional time. I think we should all take a step back,” Wintour said, revealing that she was inspired by a past issue of French Vogue guest-edited by David Hockney.
Jacobs, however, felt the weight of this offer. Despite his long-standing career in fashion, he had no experience in magazine editing and initially felt unsure. Ultimately, though, he accepted the challenge, thinking that the worst thing would be to regret not doing it.
New Perspectives and Creative Tensions Bring a Unique Approach
In his interview with The New York Times, Jacobs revealed that the production of the December issue did not go smoothly. He initially suggested shooting everything in a studio, but Wintour insisted on a more diverse, expansive approach, leading to some creative tension.
As for the cover, Jacobs initially proposed Wintour herself, but she declined. Ultimately, the issue features two covers starring Kaia Gerber, with artists Anna Weyant and photographer Steven Meisel capturing Gerber in distinct styles.
To fully showcase Jacobs’ “creativity and personality,” Wintour suggested including Jacobs’ home, his favorite designers, and even his beloved dog, “Carl with a C.” Wintour expressed her satisfaction, saying, “Marc’s world that I wanted to see. It’s all-encompassing.”
A Special Issue That Breaks the Boundaries of Fashion and Expression
The tensions behind the scenes only served to broaden the possibilities of the magazine. Jacobs envisioned avant-garde photographs reminiscent of a theatrical performance, a new concept for Wintour, who found some aspects challenging to understand. However, it was this clash of perspectives that ultimately gave the magazine depth, resulting in an edgy and daring edition.
The December issue of Vogue has brought a fresh perspective to the fashion industry, creating a fusion of expression and ideas that transcend conventional boundaries.
On his Instagram, Jacobs shared a playful parody video inspired by ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ celebrating his role as guest editor for the December issue with a sense of humor.
Jacobs described this experience as a “one-time special appearance” and stated that he has no intention of pursuing magazine production again. In contrast, Wintour expressed her unwavering passion for her work, affirming her determination to continue leading Vogue.
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