Which of Marc Jacobs’s White Chairs Are You?

Our favorite design moment of NYFW.

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Even the most over-the-top Fashion Week sets aren’t known for their seating. But then again, Marc Jacobs isn’t known for his conventionality. Which is why when, at the brand’s New York show, attendees waltzed into the Park Avenue Armory to discover not the standard bleachers but a medley of mismatched white vintage chairs, it was the first indication that they were in for a treat. (The second came moments later, when the doors opened to reveal a mass of Technicolor clothing–clad models charging—in a nonthreatening way, don’t panic—toward the front row.)

A fashion analyst might point to the show notes, which name-checked icons such as Anita Pallenberg and Karl Lagerfeld, as proof of the retro inspiration for both the clothes and the chairs. They might even draw parallels between the variety of garments—like the Kermit the Frog–green tweed skirtsuit closely followed by a gold sequined gown—and the eclectic array of seats, a surely intentional complement.  

But we’re not here to theorize. We’re here to talk about the chairs. 

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Photo Courtesy of @alyssainthecity via Instagram

By our count, there were at least 175 different ones, each sporting a unique silhouette and recalling a different era. Stately rocking chairs sat next to what looked like the plastic seating you find at garage sales. Just as with Jacobs’s designs, they made up a real cast of characters—but what else would you expect from the arguable king of NYFW presentations? 

We’d love nothing more than to spend a few hours combing through every seat, but for the sake of time, here are a few of our favorites. (Besides this loofah-esque, multicolored mini, of course. What a delight.)  

For the Drama Queens 

If you’re a fan of sculpture, you’ll love option No. 35, the 1950s Bertoia side chair. It’s delicate yet architectural—not unlike Jacobs’s purple and yellow flower dress

For the No-Nonsense Classics Lover

Consider the second-row Windsor chair (or this rather fetching suit) the answer to your prayers. It’s elegant and straightforward, the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your morning oatmeal and New York Times crossword.  

For the Low-Maintenance Decorator 

You prize simplicity and versatility, virtues shared by both Michael Thonet’s bentwood Era chair, perched a couple rows from the front, and this ’60s-inspired frock.

For the Consummate Bohemian 

Bring back the grooviness of the ’70s with either No. 88, a rattan peacock chair, or a flowing floral dress. Or both. 

So which one are you?

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Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.

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