Marc by Marc Jacobs Bags

Behind the Brand

In 2001, high-profile designer Marc Jacobs introduced his diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, which featured similarly themed designs as the Marc Jacobs line at a more cost-friendly price.

Marc Jacobs was born in 1963 and was a graduate of both the High School or Art and Design (1981) and Parsons School of Design. His first collection launched in 1986 and was backed by Kashiyama USA, Inc. To this day, Marc Jacobs holds the honor of having been the youngest designer to receive the Council of Fashion Designers of America Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion talent.

Marc Jacobs has worked behind the scenes for both Perry Ellis and Louis Vuitton. Since 1997, he has remained the artistic director for Louis Vuitton.

The Signature Style of Marc by Marc Jacobs Bags

Marc by Marc Jacobs bags feature a standard array of styles including:

• Clutches
• Totes
• Backpacks
• Hobos
• Satchels

The Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag line can sometimes strongly mimic that of its mother line, Marc Jacobs, by reflecting boxy styles with several external square pockets. Colors usually convey the bright reds and blues or muted greens and oranges of the 1970's. This always grants Marc by Marc Jacobs bags a distinctively playful and retro appeal.

Fun Clutches

Although the recent ready-to-wear collection is rich in jewel toned satins that are perfect for holiday parties, the clutches remained simple enough for everyday use.

The Violet Clutch is almost distressed enough for sport's night at the local bar. It is crafted from super soft leather and outlined by bold metal studs. Graceful? Hardly. But this fun clutch is as useful as it is fashionably uncouth, making it the perfect accessory for a simple winter turtleneck and denim ensemble.

Marc stepped into the limelight with the Party Girl Clutch and this teensy bag lives up to its title. Made from plush black velvet and snappy gold hardware, this clutch is the perfect accessory for a satin, silk, or velvet party dress. As always, the characteristically puerile styles of the Marc line let admirers know that you don't take yourself too seriously. This is a clutch for a lively young party girl and not a stuffy over-paid executive. Hence, the bow details on this bag are as darling as they are daringly humorous.

In case anyone should inquire as to your favorite designer, the Marc line released the Luxury Leather Zip Clutch that features heavy "Marc Jacobs" lettering across the front of its supple leather exterior. This is a classic item created less for evenings and more for daytime outings. Considering the rich camel hue of the leather, nothing could be more perfect for the fall/winter season.

The Softy Zip Clutch is a dead giveaway as to its designer roots. Boasting the same external square pockets as the original Marc Jacobs line, this clutch is as affordable as it is signature Marc Jacobs. For a price of 168 US dollars, this adorable number comes in a vintage meringue color that looks as if it were stripped from the walls of an old fashioned soda shop.

Huge Hobos and Tremendous Totes

Marc Jacobs truly thought big when he designed some of his latest styles.

The Awesome Animal Hobo appears to be more of a weekend bag than a shoulder-swinging hobo. So rest assured that with miles of space within this canvas hobo, you'll be able to shop all day and take a trip to St. Tropez without having to change your bag.

There is nothing pint-sized about the Totally Turnlock Baby Tote. This tote is a gorgeous leather diaper bag that comes complete with a dust bag and baby changing pad. More importantly, it is fully lined and offers two outside accessory pockets. This is probably the most serious looking baby tote you will ever lay eyes on.

Where to Purchase

Marc by Marc Jacobs bags can be purchased at several upscale department stores including:

• Nordstrom
• Neiman Marcus
• Saks
• Barneys

This line is also available online at the infamous Shopbop.com.