“I will now sing a song,” Simon Porte Jacquemus joked as he accepted the 2024 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, an esteemed recognition from the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
The philanthropic luncheon, sponsored by Nordstrom for the fifth consecutive year, raises funds for the Museum at FIT, which is New York’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the art of fashion. Held at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, the proceeds support museum events, including exhibitions and symposia, all of which are free and open to the public.
Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at FIT, praised Jacquemus, stating, “I think he realizes more than many designers the incredible importance of emotion and the way we respond to fashion. Narrative and biographical elements are juxtaposed in his work with the aesthetic of color and silhouette.” Other speakers included Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT, Pete Nordstrom, President and Chief Brand Officer of Nordstrom, and Couture Council members Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz and Sarah Wetenhall, who expressed their support for both the museum and the award recipient.
“This moment feels almost surreal. At 19, I launched Jacquemus with nothing more than a dream—no resources, no contacts—just a clear vision to redefine fashion and approach it from a fresh perspective,”
Jacquemus shared.
Fifteen years after that pivotal moment, the designer has established his brand as a hallmark of timeless, Mediterranean-inspired chic, complemented by bold marketing campaigns that captivate audiences. The excitement in the theater was palpable as attendees mingled on the first unofficial day of New York Fashion Week, many dressed in archival pieces from the brand or in the last summer styles before the season changes.
Amid the theater lights and sips of champagne, it became clear that this award acceptance was more than just a recognition; it was a significant addition to Jacquemus’ ever-growing legacy.
