Simon Porte Jacquemus is a force whose eye for detail and strong sense of what consumers want to see is someone who fuels my creativity and keeps me connected to culture. I always stop and swipe when I come across his own personal instagram, as well as the fashion line’s Instagram– pictures of models in a field of lavender and on beaches in the south of France. He immerses his audience into a french lifestyle– connecting fashion to the imagery, the sounds, and the mood. His brand balances feelings of relaxation with feelings of aspiration– it’s never over-explained, but always clear. It’s the kind of marketing that makes you feel like you stumbled upon something special, rather than being sold to.
Jacquemus’ social media feels like a behind-the-scenes look at an aesthetic and creative lifestyle that you’re dying to be a part of– it never feels like a marketing strategy. It’s cheeky and high-end at the same time. It’s a combination of whimsy and luxury that keeps me so curious. That balance pushes me to think differently about marketing, especially in a world where everyone is trying to be louder. Jacquemus is proof that, sometimes, simplicity says the most.
She’s the kind of person who makes a Starbucks run feel spontaneous, funny, unpredictable, and always full of chats about anything and everything. She’s a powerhouse, too. She built a European antiques business, self-funded and determined, growing it into a legacy that has inspired three generations– herself, my dad, and now, me. She’s traveled to Europe nearly 200 times in 35 years and it’s because of her that I’ve gotten to see some of the coolest places. Her push to see the world drives my curiosity to see what is out there for me to grab hold of.
Her sense of style is unmatched, always ahead of the trends without trying too hard. She collects everything (and I mean everything) – matchboxes, piggy banks, tote bags – keepsakes from her travels that remind me that there’s always more to see, more to experience, and more stories to collect. She is someone I lean on and someone who has shaped the way I see the world. Conversations with her always keep me curious– I feel connected to now while also feeling connected to the wisdom of someone who’s seen decades of trends and cultural shifts.
Uncomplicated, realistic, while also being a bit snobby (but I like it). William McLure is a Birmingham-based artist and interior designer whose commentary on interiors is equal parts hilarious and 100% true. He has something to say about everything, and his Great Dane and Parrot are always by his side supporting his opinion about “brass doorknobs” or “pine floors”. I always stop my scroll upon his work and turn my volume up to hear his Instagram stories as clearly as possible. One day, he’s cutting a Home Depot door in half to achieve the look of a stable door entryway, and the next, he’s faux-wood cerusing his bathroom walls to “luxe it up” on a budget. He has a sense of relatability paired with impeccable taste that draws me right in.
He is authentic, and everyone knows that authenticity is always best-received. His stories aren’t polished, his posts aren’t professional. Everything is a real glimpse into his life on an Alabama farm, raising animals, commissioning paintings, and rearranging his bedroom at 2am. It’s inspiring to see someone write their own rulebook, and it reminds me that being creative is never a perfect process– it’s about expression. McLure keeps me curious about the endless possibilities of design and the craziness of life, while also encouraging me to find use in the unconventional.