Marc Jacobs is known for campaigns that take a stand on contemporary issues. His Spring 2016 spread was inspired by the same-sex marriage ruling, his recent collaboration with Miley Cyrus and Marilyn Minter funneled funding into Planned Parenthood and his Fall 2016 ad campaign celebrates the strength of the LGBTQ community and “is a reminder to question and challenge normal and to continue exploring and pushing boundaries.”
Yesterday, the star-studded, gothic portrait series, which aptly features icons like Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love and Genesis P-Orridge, added the likes of Kendall Jenner to its ranks. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star turned fashion favorite is virtually unrecognizable with bleached eyebrows, towering platform boots, teased hair and dark, smoky eye makeup. (Perhaps this is the getup she should’ve worn on her Hollywood Tours escapade?) Photographer David Sims masterfully captured this new side of Kendall who, unlike the aforementioned subculture legends, likely had to delve deep within herself to unleash her inner vampire.
Jacobs’ eerie fall showing not only allowed him to address the weighty events in Orlando but also to comment on a bit of petty gossip floating around the Internet. Jacobs captioned Kendall’s photo as follows:
“KENDALL, Supermodel. I will always remember the first time I met Kendall during castings for our Fall 2014 fashion show. Katie Grand invited her to come by the studio for a brief introduction before she was photographed for the model boards. At the time, I knew very little about Kendall…As history now has it, her very first fashion show was for Marc Jacobs Fall 2014. Kendall has since been a part of every show along with being featured in our Spring ’15 ad campaign (also shot by David Sims). It goes without saying that Kendall has gone on to establish an incredible career for herself and every bit of it is a testament to her hard work, passion and desire.
During castings for Fall ‘16, due to the enormous height of the boots we designed, we had to make certain that each girl was able to walk (and walk safely). Kendall slid those boots on and walked around the studio as if she was in a pair of running shoes: statuesque, confident and just as enthusiastic and excited to be doing the show as if it was her first one.
For me, it is the ability of a model to effortlessly transform into a look and character that makes her so appealing and inspiring. Photographed by David Sims for our Fall ’16 ad as a Goth Goddess is the sweet, kind and ultimate professional, Kendall Jenner.”
The designer’s pointed use of the label “supermodel” and mention of her tireless work ethic, lovely demeanor and incomparable professionalism harkens back to 90s sensation Stephanie Seymour’s recent assertion that Kendall and her bestie Gigi Hadid are nothing but “bitches of the moment” — a comment she later rescinded, claiming it was said in jest and directed at no girl in particular.
Not that Jacobs really needed to lend his voice to this one. Kendall’s incredible transformation is evidence enough of her supermodel status. (Or is she just hiding underneath all those trappings? Sound off in the comments below.)
