Why Marc Jacobs’ Spring Fashion Campaign Is Important

The SS16 campaigns?are here and while many are relatively standard, comprising of beautiful models in an undoubtedly hip scenario showcasing gorgeous garments, one or two designers always try to break the mould and do something a bit different.

ICYMI:?Spring/Summer 2016 Campaigns Worth Taking Note Of

Marc Jacobs’ spring fashion campaign has been greeted with much praise, as he has?chosen to feature public figures from all backgrounds. Transgender director?Lana Wachowski, who helmed The Matrix, is the first face of Jacobs’ latest collection, and he credits the 50-year-old for “inspiring him to think differently.”

Jacobs says he was first taken with Wachowski?when he heard her Human Rights Campaign, Visibility Award acceptance speech in 2012. “She expressed thoughts and ideas that have filled my head and heart always but had never been so eloquently captured in language that was so tangible, intelligent, poignant and full of possibility,” he wrote in the caption. “I found myself referencing Lana’s words in my daily life and sharing her speech with close friends.”

In addition to Wachowski, Jacobs explains that this campaign features a spectrum of individuals whose images work together to illustrates a narrative. “It is a personal diary of people who have and continue to inspire me and open my mind to different ways of seeing and thinking,” he?added.

This season’s ad campaign represents a series of connected events; a visual narrative. It is a personal diary of people who have and continue to inspire me and open my mind to different ways of seeing and thinking. The spectrum of individuals photographed in our Spring/Summer 2016 ad campaign represent a celebration of my America. In collaboration with photographer David Sims and stylist Katie Grand, the people featured in our campaign personify this collection of fashion through their individuality. Collectively, they embody and celebrate the spirit and beauty of equality. It is with an overwhelmingly full heart that I share this first portrait of our Spring/Summer 2016 ad campaign. Lana Wachowski. I was first introduced to Lana via YouTube in December 2012. The speech Lana gave to accept the Human Rights Campaign, Visibility Award, (October 20, 2012) was utterly profound in its script and her articulate, brilliant and timeless delivery. She expressed thoughts and ideas that have filled my head and heart always but had never been so eloquently captured in language that was so tangible, intelligent, poignant and full of possibility. I found myself referencing Lana’s words in my daily life and sharing her speech with close friends. In the days before our Spring/Summer €16 fashion show and through a fateful series of communications, much to my incomprehensible delight, Lana accepted an invitation to our show in New York City and thus I took her, ?fashion show virginity.? Lana’s ineffable beauty captured by David in this portrait reminds me of the personal sentiment she shared with me about, ?learning you can make important friends at anytime in your life.?

A photo posted by Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) on Jan 6, 2016 at 1:05pm PST

In collaboration with photographer David Sims and stylist Katie Grand, Jacobs explained that he chose the faces of this campaign for their individuality and style, and for the message they present together: “Collectively, they embody and celebrate the spirit and beauty of equality.”

We’re forever saying that the industry needs to do more to highlight diversity within the world of fashion, and here we have a prime example of this becoming a reality. He’s stressing?the need for inclusivity within the industry and if we’re going to see any real changes take place in future, it is so important that campaigns such as this are highlighted.

Given that Jacobs is the head of such an iconic, luxury brand, let’s hope this sends a positive message to his competitors and encourages them to shake up tradition and go down the same path.

Jacobs was also lauded for choosing to have actress Winona Ryder as the face of his latest beauty campaign.