Marc Jacobs was born in New York City in 1963. He graduated from the High School of Art and Design and then entered Parson's School of Design. While at Parson's, he was awarded the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award, the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award, and the Design Student of the Year Award all in 1984. While still enrolled in Parson's, he designed and sold his first collection of hand-kit sweaters. In 1986, Jacobs designed his first collection under the Marc Jacobs label. That following year, Jacobs received the honor of being the youngest designer ever to be awarded the fashion industry's highest tribute: The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. In 1992, Jacobs was recognized by the CDFA again and awarded the Women's Designer of the Year Award. In 1993, Jacobs and his partners launched their own licensing and design company: Marc Jacobs International Company, LP. In 1994, Marc Jacobs expanded into menswear creating his first full collection of menswear. 

In 1997, Jacobs was appointed Louis Vuitton's creative director. He created the company's first ready-to-wear line. In 2000, Jacobs focused more on his creations launching Marc by Marc Jacobs, his line displaying his earlier, post-college style. That year, Jacobs debuts his Spring 2001 line. 

Marc Jacobs is currently the head designer for Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs with over 200 stores in 80 countries. Jacobs has held the position as creative director of Louis Vuitton since 1997 and spends most of his time in Paris.