Loved by the media, revered by his peers, and adored – much like a rock star - by his customers, Marc Jacobs is the pulse of the American fashion scene. We knew boho chic was dead when the lover of layers and loose fabric draping presented a tailored, 1970’s-influeced fall/winter 2007 Marc Jacobs collection replete with wide-brim hats, structured handbags and clutches, and rounded, stacked heels. With his whimsical spring/summer 2008 Marc Jacobs collection, MJ’s done it again. playing with an Alice in Wonderland theme which translated into acidic colors, metal animal accents, exaggerated fringe on clutches, playing with heel shape and placement, lace glasses and much more. I caught up with MJ at the 2007 Accessories Council of Excellence Awards held at New York’s ultra-glamorous Cipriani 42nd Street, just before he accepted the honor of Designer of the Year. It was an HONOR to interview him. And for all those wondering, he’s extremely gracious and very divine to look at. I dig the svelte and tan MJ. (PS Marc was sporting a slim black man bag on the red carpet. Loved it!)

Pamela Pekerman, BagTrends.com: How important are accessories in today’s fashion world and to the vitality of a fashion house? 
Marc Jacobs: I think accessories in terms of business are very, very important. I work for one of the biggest luxury companies in the world, LVMH, and certainly handbags are very important to their business. And, of course, they are important to my own labels. Since we started with our Venetia bags years ago, our handbag business has grown and grown. And the more we do with hats, bags, shoes and belts and all sorts of accessories we sort of solidify and define our image even more each season.

BagTrends.com: From the Marc Jacobs line, what’s on the horizon for spring/summer 2008?
MJ: There are shoes with heels in the wrong place and bags that are layered on top of other bags and strange hats – all kinds of crazy things We did lots of strange things this time, but nice, sweet, charming. It’s kind of “why not” sort of silly thoughts. But I like them.

BagTrends.com: Why do you love creating accessories?
MJ: It’s a lot of fun. Design of any sort is really great for me; it’s really compelling and it’s what I like to do. So everything is equally a wonderful opportunity to express myself and I enjoy it.

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Pamela Pekerman, BagTrends Bag Guru