Originally Posted: 02/09/2009

Marc Jacobs Fashion Show

On Monday, Marc Jacobs cut his fashion show list by 1300 guests in order to avoid employee layoffs.  Given the current state of the economy, Jacobs says, “it just seems ostentatious for us to continue doing the same thing.” I couldn’t agree more. Instead of lavishing attention on the already “celebrity” (or wanna be celebrity), Jacobs is setting a standard and showing that the people who work for him are important and are the key to long term success to his company; they should bear the burden of a weekend economy. If there are other places to a company can safely scale back then it should be done.

Photo Courtesy of New York Magazine

Jacobs is acknowledging that’s time to trim the fat and embrace a simpler way of getting things done. Fashion shows and parties are for the people who need to be there, your core influencers and supporters. The cuts are a shrewd moved and smart marketing decision on the part of Robert Duffy.

Aren’t some of the most sought after, successful fashion brands built on eliteness & exclusivity? He definitely is setting a standard by limiting show attendees and refocusing his attention on what is really important.

Hopefully other designers should follow suit.