Jacquemus: The Radical Romantic of French Fashion

Simon Porte, known as Jacquemus, has carved a unique path in fashion with his romantic minimalism. Born in southern France between Marseille and Avignon to a farming family, he moved to Paris for fashion school but was disillusioned. After his mother's death, he dropped out and launched his label Jacquemus, named after her maiden name. His debut collection was minimal out of necessity, not concept—he couldn't afford buttons or pockets. For his third collection, Rei Kawakubo noticed him at a Tokyo showroom. He couldn't attend but later worked for Adrian Joffe at Dover Street Market for two years, creating his own line at night. Joffe eventually ordered his collection for Dover Street Market London, leading to success. Jacquemus's men's collection is one of the most anticipated at Paris Fashion Week, teased with the hashtag #newjob. Despite his commercial ambition, he is seen as a true radical for following his authentic vision.