Instagram has opened endless doors for the fashion world, and one person who’s mastered the platform is the one and only Marc Jacobs. The iconic designer has built a cult following not only for his brand, but for his authenticity, humor, and unbeatable character — sharing posts featuring anything from bejeweled acrylic nails to a seemingly bottomless Labubu collection that follows him around the world. As Instagram launches its first-ever awards program, Instagram Rings, it was only right that Marc Jacobs be appointed as one of the official fashion judges — among fellow icons including KAWS, Grace Wales Bonner, Spike Lee, Pat McGrath, Tainy, and legendary creatives from around the world. Together, the panel of judges will select a set of creators who “don’t just participate in culture, but shift it.” The winners will be awarded an exclusive digital golden ring on their profile, as well as a physical ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner herself.

Natually, V wanted to learn more. We sat down with Marc Jacobs to talk social media, fashion, and self-expression as he gears up to select the Ring winners.

V: You’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion and culture. What drew you to the Instagram ranks program, and what excites you most about celebrating creators?

Marc Jacobs: I am very flattered to be asked. I knew who some of the other people involved were, and so it is nice to be a part of that group. I’m a big Instagram fan and follower, so being invited to participate in something that highlights creativity, content, and people who are making things happen on social media just felt very interesting and exciting to me.

V: Fashion on Instagram has evolved from flat lace and runway shots to full-blown storytelling and self-expression. How have you seen digital fashion culture transform over the years, and what keeps you inspired by it?

MJ: I think on a personal level, I follow so many people that are in fashion, whether it’s photography or design, so I feel like it’s my sort of fashion newspaper every day to keep up on what the people whose work I admire are doing. And one of the things
that does happen for me on Instagram is that by paying attention and following certain people, it leads me to people I don’t know. I get to discover other names, other designers, other artists, and that’s always an exciting thing, especially in fashion. I find I can be very much in a bubble where what I know is just what I see, and [Instagram] takes me outside of that bubble and introduces me to other things. Instagram is such a great way to explore and continue with your interests, and to learn about other parts and other players in that interest.

V: As one of Instagram’s first true fashion personalities, you’ve always balanced reverence and authenticity online. How does your personal relationship with the platform influence how you judge creativity and others?

MJ: I have a very playful attitude with Instagram. Most of the time, I’m not using it as a work thing. It’s just sort of a personal diary, and it’s very spontaneous for me personally. The company’s Instagram, obviously, is all about Marc Jacobs and what’s going on here in terms of fashion and accessories, etc. But for my personal one, it really is just much more playful and organic. I just kind of post whenever I feel like it, whatever I feel like, and I like both sides of that in other accounts I follow on Instagram. I like these more intimate or personal looks into people, as well as their professional work and the process of their work, etc. So I think I’m very drawn to when I feel that you get more than just work, but you get some insight into the personality behind the person making the work.

V: Who are some of your favorite people to follow on Instagram right now, whether they’re fashion insiders, artists, or just accounts that make you think differently?

MJ: I follow such a variety of people, some just for humor. There are people who are very silly in their pages, or they just make me laugh, whether they’re memes or whatever the content is that they create. Then there are things like dogs or animal pages that I just really love because they’re adorable, or when people have, you know, created a relationship with a squirrel. I just love all those animal pages and people’s relationships to their animals. Being a dog lover, you know that appeals to me.

Then there are people who are nail techs, or nail artists, or makeup artists, and
younger fashion enthusiasts and self-made journalists, who I just get a real kick out of, because their take on fashion is fresh and very honest and authentic. A big journalist for a more established newspaper has politics to deal with, but when you see or read some of the commentaries from young fashion critics, they’re just saying what they think, and they’re not weighed down by the history of the brands they’re talking about. They’re just being very instinctive and honest, which is sometimes catty, but very refreshing as well.

V: Fashion and social media both move fast. What advice would you give to emerging designers or creators trying to stand out and stay inspired in today’s constantly shifting landscape?

MJ: I’m not much of an advice-giver. My experience, though, is to be very true to yourself, and be passionate [and] genuine about what you put out there, and to be creative and open-minded. At the end of the day, just do what you want to do. Don’t let other people tell you it’s right or wrong. I followed some pretty random people who didn’t have a very big audience, and I’m not sure how they’re doing in terms of their numbers and stuff like that, but I know that I continue to enjoy their content. I don’t know that everybody’s goal necessarily is the size of the audience as much as the quality of the audience. It’s not necessarily one rule or the other. Be you.

The winners of Instagram Rings will be announced on October 16th, 2025.