Marc by Sofia is a friendly and intimate portrait of Marc Jacobs’ creative world. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the documentary “captures the genius and the singular universe of the iconic American designer.”

For those unfamiliar with the man at the center of this documentary (though I’m sure most will at least recognize his name), Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer who has shaped the industry for over four decades. Now 62, he launched his eponymous brand in 1984, following his work at Reuben Thomas Inc. in the early 1980s. In 1992, Jacobs made waves with his famous Grunge Collection for Perry Ellis, and in 1997, he became the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton—an accomplishment that remains one of the high points of his career. In 2014, however, he stepped down from the role to devote himself fully to his own label.

Today, Marc Jacobs remains an integral part of the global fashion landscape. His brand, owned by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE—a French luxury conglomerate behind such names as Moët & Chandon, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and Rimowa), continues to be a defining force within the industry.

I have to admit that, for some reason, I’m not the biggest fan of documentaries. They’re rarely my first choice (which, I know, isn’t ideal, since documentaries are important as they inform us on such a wide range of subjects). But when the 2025 Venice Film Festival lineup was announced and I heard that Sofia Coppola would present a documentary on Marc Jacobs, I was probably one of the most excited people watching that press conference. 

I’ve always loved Coppola and her films — she has such a distinctive vision and a unique way of telling stories centered on female characters, something I admire deeply, as she’s one of the few directors who consistently focus on women, so naturally, I was curious to see how she would approach a documentary about Marc Jacobs. Even though this one doesn’t have a woman at its center, I couldn’t wait to see her perspective, especially since I’ve always been fascinated by fashion — even if my knowledge mostly comes from Sex and the City (1998–2004), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and — though I hate to admit it — Emily in Paris (2020–present), thanks to Sylvie Grateau. Films and television really are an open door to anything, and that’s absolutely fabulous. I think most of the things I’ve become interested in — the music, the artists, and all the little facts I’ve picked up over the years — have come from films, and I love it! I couldn’t wait to learn more about this dazzling world while watching this new documentary.

Marc by Sofia is Coppola’s first documentary, and it’s unsurprisingly good. More than good, actually — it’s a thoughtful debut that tries to blend her signature style with the energy of the fashion world, moving at a frenetic, relentless pace and backed by the kind of iconic songs you’d expect from a documentary about fashion.

The documentary weaves together archival footage with scenes of Jacobs preparing for his 2024 Spring Collection fashion show, offering a layered perspective on both his past and present. In doing so, the documentary allows us to witness his evolution within the fashion world — from a young designer daring to shake up conventions, to an established figure whose influence continues to ripple through the industry. We not only see (some of) the milestones of his career but also the ways his creativity has adapted, transformed, and endured over time.

What struck me most while watching this documentary was just how many people are involved in the creative process behind a collection and a single fashion show — something I’d never really considered before (not that I didn’t know a team was involved, just that I’d never stopped to think about the scale of it). There are countless details to manage, from a single stitch in the fabric to how a piece of textile will drape, from the color of nail polish to the exact look of the models’ eyelashes. And all of this goes into a seven-minute show that the audience will see only once. It’s insane — but absolutely fascinating. All the work behind the scenes, the countless people involved, the stress, and the last-minute changes and problems that need to be resolved — it’s a whirlwind of creativity and pressure.

I was also really drawn to the way inspiration flows in Jacobs’s world (and I’m sure in every designer’s life) — it can come from literally anything: the mundanity of life, music, films, art. Inspiration is everywhere, in everything that sparks the imagination and that amazes me.  Sometimes I wish my brain could be less rigid and more playful, like theirs — able to just follow inspiration wherever it goes, without overthinking. But then again, that’s not really how I’m wired, I’m afraid! That openness to inspiration is especially evident in the films Jacobs admires, which sparked the cinephile in me — I loved hearing him and Coppola talk about them, and I left the room with a much longer watchlist: The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972), Sweet Charity (1969), All That Jazz (1979), Cabaret (1972), Hello, Dolly! (1969)… truly impeccable references and, might I add, flawless taste.

Overall, the documentary works beautifully. The fact that Coppola has been Jacobs’s friend for over thirty years is evident — that trust and warmth translate into a portrait that feels genuine. I loved how it’s often just Sofia, or Sofia with a cameraman, wandering around Jacobs’s world and showing us these little glimpses of his life. Her presence is felt throughout, too — I particularly enjoyed her interactions with him on camera, which makes the whole thing feel less like a distant documentary and more like two friends in conversation. If you already know a lot about fashion, you might not learn anything new, but it’s still a delightful watch.

If I had one critique, it would be the seated interviews where Jacobs addresses the camera directly. Sometimes his stories wander, but I guess that’s part of the charm and the friendly tone of the documentary — raw, unpolished, and true to the creative chaos that defines him. It’s effortlessly cool: Jacobs vaping, metallic nails on display, fabulous pyjamas and all, just Marc being Marc (by Sofia).

Grade: B+

Oscar Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: None

Release Date: TBA