Director Sofia Coppola‘s new A24 documentary, Marc by Sofia, will premiere at Venice on September 2, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and work of fashion icon Marc Jacobs. The film explores Jacobs’s creative process for a single collection while also charting his diverse inspirations over time, bringing a fresh perspective to audiences at the Venice Film Festival.
The Creative Collaboration Behind the Film
Coppola was invited by producers R.J. Cutler and Jane Cha Cutler to direct the documentary, a project that merges two longtime friends‘ worlds—the celebrated filmmaker and the renowned fashion designer. Coppola spoke with Jacobs shortly before a key moment in the film‘s production, sharing her anticipation about fitting a dress created by him. She said,
“I’m excited for my dress fitting tomorrow, with Marc,”
followed by, “That’s always exciting and scary.”
Jacobs, though anxious about the film‘s reception, expressed confidence in Coppola’s vision. He assured,
“I know I’m in good hands with Sofia.”
Marc Jacobs Opens Up About Vulnerability in the Film
Known for living much of his life in the public eye, Jacobs revealed to Variety the emotional challenges involved in exposing his creative world through Coppola’s lens. He admitted feeling vulnerable when sharing his work but found reassurance in his longstanding friendship with the director. Jacobs described the experience as feeling “very natural” once he overcame his initial nerves about participating fully in the documentary.
What Drew Coppola to This Project
While Coppola initially hesitated to take on a documentary about a close friend, she was ultimately inspired by the idea of documenting Jacobs’s fashion collection from start to finish. She reflected on this decision, stating,
“I can’t do that. Because that’s my friend, I’d have to do a good job.”
Yet, the opportunity to capture Jacobs’s creative influences and share them with younger generations was too compelling to pass up.
The film’s style is intentionally impressionistic, blending visuals and inspirations to create a mood-board effect that mirrors Jacobs’s own artistic process. Coppola described the shooting method as a new and enjoyable experience, one that allowed the filmmakers to explore and discover alongside their subject, almost like assembling a collage.
Shared Artistic Ground Between Film and Fashion
Throughout their collaboration, Coppola and Jacobs recognized surprising parallels between making a film and staging a fashion show. Coppola noted a common creative language that transcends disciplines, while Jacobs fondly recalled how their shared interests—ranging from iconic artists to underground musicians—have always bonded them.
Jacobs reminisced,
“I remember seeing a Fiorucci poster in her house — we’ve always shared that. We’ve always shared Sonic Youth.”
This project represented a continuation of their friendship through rediscovering mutual inspirations, which have long influenced both their works.
Personal Touches Bring Depth to the Documentary
Coppola aimed to make the film feel personal and accessible, creating a shorthand language between herself and Jacobs that included shared cultural references. For example, the recurring presence of a leopard-print coat in Jacobs’s collection reminds both friends of Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate, providing an intimate, recognizable motif in the narrative. Coppola emphasized engagement with viewers as well, wanting the audience to feel included rather than alienated from the story.
Expanding Beyond Familiar Themes
Known primarily for films focused on young women’s inner lives, Coppola took on a new challenge by chronicling Jacobs’s life. She approached the project with an open mind, prioritizing sincerity without intrusion. Coppola reflected on the process, explaining she wanted
“a sincere depiction of Marc — I wanted it to feel personal, never intrusive or prying, but to share things that I know about Marc.”
The Cultural Resonance and Future Expectations
Marc by Sofia offers audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative mind of one of fashion’s most influential figures, framed through the sensitive eye of a filmmaker who understands the nuances of intimate storytelling. With its Venice premiere, the documentary is expected to spark conversations about creativity, friendship, and artistic vulnerability. As Jacobs and Coppola reunite on the festival circuit, this project promises a deeper appreciation of how fashion and film can intersect through shared passions and personal history.
