Marc Jacobs launched his namesake line in 1986 and then in 2001 debuted another critically acclaimed collection, Marc by Marc Jacobs, a collection of comparatively affordable edgy and retro mass-market pieces. His accompanying accessory lines—bags loaded with pockets or buckles, round-toed boots, pointed flats, metallic evening shoes—garner attention and in-store waiting lists every season.

His designs consist of bright colors, oversize prints, layered looks, empire lines, rugby stripes, oversize bows and buttons, and pretty, prom-like party dresses.

Throughout his career, Jacobs has never been afraid to push the envelope: "I love that reaction of love or hate. It's indifference that bores me to death." America's darling of fashion received highest honors from Parsons School of Design, and soon after launched his namesake label in 1986. It was while he wasVice President of Women's Design at Perry Ellis that he debuted the grunge-inspired look that became his signature. Luxury French house Louis Vuitton, taken with Jacob's strong self assurance, hired him to design their first ready-to-wear line in 1997.

At Vuitton Jacobs has spearheaded such notable collaborations as Stephen Sprouse's graffiti bags, Takashi Murakami's pastel-colored accessories, and the first ready-to-wear line marketed under the Louis Vuitton imprimateur (designed by Jacobs). His own clothing lines, Marc Jacobs and the less expensive diffusion line Marc By Marc Jacobs (which he created in 2000), are also extremely popular.

Jacobs has sometimes bucked prevailing fashion trends. In Spring 2004/2005, when designers were following the "safari theme", he made his collection completely lady-like and the catwalk which the models walked on had an archway of 450,000 roses. Jacobs' Fall 2005 collection received sharply mixed reviews. In 2006, he is set to bring out a watch collection this year under the brand of Marc Jacobs. These watches will feature classic and timeless aesthetics with a slightly vintage feel. His clothes are now available in 50 boutiques around the world including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei.