In a significant moment during Paris Fashion Week, a notable recognition was bestowed upon Anna Wintour, the editorial director of Condé Nast. Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus selected her to present the prestigious French honor, 'Chevalier De L'Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres' (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This accolade is reserved for individuals who have showcased exceptional creativity in the artistic or literary realm, or have significantly contributed to the promotion of arts and letters in France and globally.
Jacquemus, the youngest designer at 34 years old to be nominated for this award, shared a heartfelt tribute to his late mother during the ceremony. He recounted the challenges he faced growing up and the pivotal role his mother played in encouraging him to embrace his uniqueness as a strength. Jacquemus expressed gratitude towards the fashion industry for eventually embracing him, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother to be featured in Vogue.
This marks the second prestigious award received by Jacquemus, following his recognition as the 2024 recipient of the Neiman Marcus Prize for innovation in fashion. The French designer, known for his off-schedule presentations and distinct marketing strategies, is set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his brand with a fashion show at Casa Malaparte, a location immortalized by Jean-Luc Godard in his film 'Le Mépris'.
Since its inception in 2009, Jacquemus has experienced remarkable success, propelled by a dedicated community of followers and strategic branding efforts. Despite having just one flagship store on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, the brand has surpassed the 200 million euro mark in sales in 2022 and aims to achieve half a billion euros in revenue by 2025, as reported by Business of Fashion magazine.
