Simon Porte Jacquemus, designer of the eponymous and entirely self-made brand Jacquemus, has just become Paris’ new fashion sensation.
The bright smile and warm-heart of a Provence born child, Simon Porte’s got it all: true desire, genuine energy, and an undeniable love for life that shows in his designs. Growing up with the Internet and multimedia communication, the 23-year-old dropped out of design school in Paris to grow his brand his way. From organising a worker’s demonstration for his third collection ‘L’Usine’ during Vogue Fashion Night Out in Paris, to catching Emmanuelle Alt’s attention, to asking model Caroline de Maigret to be the face of his collection ‘Le Chenil’ on Facebook, Simon Porte knew his way through. And his bold, joyful desire to create and communicate paid off, since his second collection was quickly bought by Opening Ceremony and Dover Street Market.
Dedicating the brand to his mother, the Jacquemus woman is everything but obsessed by her own appearance, and her look is rather determined by her environment. Whether she is a dog rescuer (Le Chenil) or a factory worker (L’Usine), her clothes are like uniforms: long linen dresses worn with a pair of boots, boiled wool skirts and jumpers with low-top Dr Martens. We asked Simon Porte about style icons and what’s in his Walkman.
Where were you born? I was born in Salon de Provence, between Marseille and Avignon in South of France.
Who or what made you want to become a designer? The desire to create a woman. My mother, my grand mother…
Who’s your icon? Isabelle Adjani, Lio.
How did you feel during your first show? I was finally sure that designing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What part did you play in the making of the collection videos? Each collection tells a story, with a character. Sometimes the movie even comes before the collection.
What is the last thing you think about before going to sleep? I think about the looks, the global image.
What’s your favourite song to dance to? A pop song from the 80′s: Elli & Jacno, Plastic Bertrand, Lio…
What do you find attractive in a person? Someone rough and ready, direct, even a little clumsy.
What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to? Sicily, Marseille’s rocky inlets, Corsica… The South!
What’s the last sentence you said? “Fabien, we have to bring the mosquito net to Livio’s for an editorial!”
What qualities do all of your friends have in common? They’re funny and love strong scents.
What cannot be forgiven? I forgive everything, I don’t know why.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to be a designer? Don’t take any advice!
Text: Léa Taleb
