Simon Porte Jacquemus, born on January 16, 1990, in Salon-de-Provence, France, is a fashion designer whose unique vision and simple yet striking creations have made a significant impact on the fashion world. Growing up in the small town of Mallemort in southern France, Jacquemus was raised in a family of farmers, with his father occasionally singing in metal bands and his mother playing a central role in his upbringing. It was the sudden death of his mother that led him to pursue a career in fashion, using her maiden name, Jacquemus, to launch his own label at the age of 20.
After a brief stint studying at the École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode (ESMOD) in Paris, Jacquemus left the program to work as an assistant at Citizen K fashion magazine. He started his fashion journey by promoting his early designs on the streets of Paris during Vogue’s Fashion Night Out in 2010, where he had friends wear his creations in local shops. His minimalist yet original approach quickly gained attention, and in 2012, he presented his first collection during Paris Fashion Week.
Known for his use of simple cuts, few details, and unexpected color pops, Jacquemus has often described his designs as "naïve" with unique silhouettes that evoke the films of Jacques Tati and Louis Malle. His collections blend everyday workwear fabrics with sophisticated, playful designs, contributing to his signature aesthetic of effortless, yet elevated style. Over the years, his brand gained recognition internationally, with his pieces sold in high-profile stores such as Opening Ceremony in New York, Dover Street Market in London, and Broken Arm in Paris.
In 2015, Jacquemus was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the LVMH Prize, cementing his reputation as one of fashion's rising stars. He expanded his offerings to include footwear, handbags, and hats in 2017, and by 2019, he introduced menswear into his collection. A defining moment in Jacquemus' career came in 2019 when he hosted a breathtaking runway show in a lavender field, celebrating ten years of the brand with the collection Le coup de soleil, followed by a similarly stunning show in a wheat field for Spring/Summer 2021.
Jacquemus' work continued to evolve in collaboration with other brands, including Nike, with a women’s athletic wear collection in 2022. The partnership continued into 2023 with the release of the JF1 sneakers. The designer’s rising influence was further highlighted when Beyoncé wore Jacquemus for a performance in 2023. In addition to his creative work, Jacquemus values independence, seeking to maintain control over his brand while exploring future partnerships to expand its reach. The brand now has physical locations in Paris, London, and New York, marking its continued success and global presence.
With his bold designs and innovative spirit, Simon Porte Jacquemus continues to shape the fashion landscape, blending simplicity with artistry and consistently challenging the conventions of contemporary fashion.
