Simon Porte Jacquemus (Salon-de-Provence, France, 1990) has received the distinction of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from Anna Wintour, in a ceremony held on Saturday, March 2. At 34 years old, the founder of his eponymous firm celebrated a career of professional success as a designer and made a plea in favor of young emerging talents from around the world.
Anna Wintour, the famous editor-in-chief of the American edition of Vogue magazine, awarded him the prestigious medal in an intimate celebration in the heart of the new premises of the Maison Jacquemus. An honorary distinction awarded by the French Ministry of Culture that dates back to 1962.
As cited by the official organization, the Order rewards “people who have distinguished themselves by their creations in the artistic or literary domain or by the contribution they have made to the splendor of arts and letters in France and in the world.” The Order consists of three degrees: knight, officer and commander.
The degree of knighthood to which Jacquemus belongs can only be granted to artists, writers or intellectuals who are at least thirty years old and in possession of their civil rights. The two higher grades are awarded on condition of justifying a minimum of five years in the lower grade.
Among some personalities who have received it are Shakira, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Bob Dylan or Meryl Streep –these last two have the rank of commander. Simon Porte Jacquemus used the appointment to call on young designers, underlining the importance of nurturing and encouraging emerging talent.
Anna Wintour highlighted in her speech the designer’s talent and determination to achieve great goals in such a short time. “It is extraordinary to see a young man with so much talent and determination follow such a personal path to such early recognition,” she told AFP.
Jacquemus was born in French Provence in 1990 and at the age of 18 he moved to Paris to begin studying fashion. At the age of 19 he already had his own fashion brand, which he called with the maiden name of his mother, who had just died. Shortly after, in 2013, she would debut on the women’s catwalk.
In 2015 he received his first distinction: the special jury prize of the Prix LVMH and, since then, his fame has not stopped growing. One of his strengths lies in his nature as a child of the digital age. Since its inception, his virtual presence and his way of telling stories has been an example of a success story to attract all types of audiences to his brand.
