Marc Jacobs and Sofia Coppola, two longtime friends, recently discussed their collaboration on the documentary “Marc by Sofia.” Directed by Coppola, this film offers a candid glimpse into Jacobs’ world as he prepares for his spring 2024 runway show. The documentary, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2025, follows Jacobs over a 12-week period, blending backstage footage with reflections on significant milestones in his illustrious career.
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In an exclusive interview, Jacobs admitted he was apprehensive about seeing the film for the first time. “I think we were both nervous about me seeing it,” he stated, recalling how Coppola expressed concerns about whether he would like the result. He described looking at himself on screen as a challenging experience, but ultimately, he was pleased with the portrayal. “I was really happy with it,” he said. “At the end, I thought, ‘I like this person. I don’t hate this person at all.'”
Coppola, the Oscar-winning director, noted that the film was a departure from her usual scripted work. “We didn’t have a big crew, so it felt intimate,” she explained. The production was designed to be stripped back, with Coppola opting out of professional hair and makeup or elaborate lighting. “I wanted it to feel real,” she added, a sentiment Jacobs echoed, stating that the process seemed “very, very natural.” The casual approach allowed for a fluid dynamic, as he recalled that Coppola’s visits often felt spontaneous and relaxed.
The concept of the documentary developed organically. Coppola aimed to capture Jacobs’ creative process leading up to a runway show. “I thought it would be interesting to watch Marc from the very beginning through his process,” she shared. Despite feeling unprepared at the time, she didn’t want to miss capturing the initial stages of his work on the collection. “So I just kind of jumped in without thinking too much and found our way.”
Known for his openness, Jacobs expressed pride in the vulnerability presented in the film. “I’ve always been pretty transparent,” he remarked. “I don’t really have an issue with being honest or showing my insecurities.” This authenticity, he believes, is crucial when sharing his life and career, particularly in collaboration with someone he deeply trusts, such as Coppola. He reflected on their friendship, stating, “It’s really easy to be like, ‘Okay, this is who I am up and down, good and bad.’”
“Marc by Sofia” highlights Jacobs’ journey through the fashion industry, showcasing various milestones, from his provocative grunge collection at Perry Ellis to his innovative designs at Louis Vuitton. The film vividly illustrates how his artistic inspirations, ranging from classic films to Broadway divas and his stylish grandmother, have influenced his bold and theatrical creations. Jacobs describes his runway shows as opportunities to embody the role of a theatre director, a sentiment he reinforced by citing the playful visual elements in his upcoming collection, including oversized furniture on the catwalk.
While Jacobs acknowledged that practicality often takes a back seat in his designs, he emphasised the importance of storytelling. “I think what my team and I are looking to do is work through a process of telling a story and then putting that on,” he explained. He hopes that such narratives can inspire audiences to think differently and appreciate the theatre of fashion.
He clarified that it is never his intention to provoke or disrupt the status quo, yet he recognises that this can be an unintended outcome of his creative choices. “I don’t think like, ‘What can I do to freak people out?'” he said, to which Coppola responded by suggesting that their work is a reflection of the surrounding world. Jacobs agreed, acknowledging the broader context influencing his artistic decisions.
“Marc by Sofia” is set to hit UK theatres on 20 March 2025, aimed at shedding light on the unique blend of creativity, vulnerability, and camaraderie between two influential figures in the fashion and film industries. As both collaborators look forward to audience reactions, their hope is to offer viewers not just a documentary, but an intimate exploration of resilience and artistry in a continuously evolving landscape.