Simon Porte Jacquemus
Founder and creative director of Jacquemus
Simon Porte Jacquemus is a French designer who founded the Paris label Jacquemus in 2009 and grew it into one of the most visible independent fashion brands of its generation. He is known for a playful aesthetic rooted in the south of France, for best-selling handbags, and for a collaboration with Nike since 2022.
| Role | Founder and creative director, Jacquemus |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009, Paris |
| Known for | Handbags, southern French aesthetic, staged shows |
| Awards | LVMH Prize special jury prize, 2015 |
| Born | 1990, Salon-de-Provence |
Who is Simon Porte Jacquemus?
Simon Porte Jacquemus, born in 1990 in Salon-de-Provence, France, is the founder and creative director of Jacquemus, a Paris-based label he started in 2009 and named after his mother's maiden name. The brand now spans womenswear, menswear, footwear, bags and accessories, and is one of the best-known independent French fashion houses.
Career
Jacquemus founded his label aged about 19 and first presented at Paris Fashion Week in 2012. Recognition from the industry followed quickly, and the brand expanded category by category.
- 2009: founds Jacquemus.
- 2015: receives the special jury prize of the LVMH Prize.
- 2017: launches footwear.
- 2019: debuts menswear.
- 2022: begins a collaboration with Nike, starting with a reworked Air Humara sneaker and women's athletic wear.
- 2023: presents a collection at the Palace of Versailles.
The brand operates stores on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, in SoHo in New York and on New Bond Street in London. Its handbag families, such as the Bambino, are among its most recognisable products.
Influence on the fashion business
Jacquemus is often cited as an example of an independent brand that has reached global scale without belonging to a large luxury group. It has done so through a clear, consistent aesthetic, accessible entry products such as small bags, and shows staged in memorable locations that travel widely as images. The label's Nike partnership also shows how independent designers can use sportswear collaborations to reach new customers.
In February 2025 L'Oréal acquired a minority stake in Jacquemus, the first outside investment after fifteen years of independence, to support the brand's entry into beauty. The move reflects the choices many founder-led brands face when scaling.
The designer is also unusually present as the public face of his own brand, sharing references from his childhood in Provence that inform collections built around colour, linen, raffia and simple, sculptural shapes. This direct connection between founder and product has been a consistent part of how the label presents itself to customers around the world.
Why it matters
For the fashion industry, Jacquemus demonstrates how a founder's personal vision, a strong product hierarchy and image-led communication can build an international brand within roughly fifteen years. His trajectory is closely watched by investors and by other independent designers considering how to grow while retaining creative control.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Simon Porte Jacquemus?
Simon Porte Jacquemus is a French fashion designer who founded the Paris label Jacquemus in 2009. He remains its creative director and has expanded it into menswear, footwear and accessories.
What is Jacquemus known for?
Jacquemus is known for a sunny aesthetic inspired by the south of France, sculptural and miniature handbags, and shows staged in striking locations. Since 2022 the brand has also collaborated with Nike.