Marc Jacobs has found himself at the centre of an unexpected fashion debate after saying he would be open to dressing Luigi Mangione for court. The designer made the comment during an episode of Vanity Fair's Lie Detector Test, where a question about courtroom dressing quickly turned into one about the man accused in a high-profile killing.
The answer has divided social media. Some users joked about a potential collaboration, while others are furious that a fashion conversation has seemingly turned an alleged killer into a style icon.
The controversy comes as Mangione's case remains firmly in the spotlight following his recent federal guilty plea.
Jacobs' Comments on Mangione
During Marc Jacobs' interview, he was reminded that Winona Ryder, Lil' Kim and Courtney Love had all worn his brand during their respective court cases. He was then asked whether he would be willing to style Mangione for his trial.
'Um, yes', Jacobs replied with a chuckle.
The designer was also asked what he would put Mangione in. He answered: 'I think he looks pretty good the way he dresses, actually.'
Winona Ryder, Lil’ Kim, and Courtney Love have all worn Marc Jacobs to their high-profile court appearances. Would Marc Jacobs dress Luigi Mangione for his?
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) August 18, 2026
VF’s Style Issue cover star weighs in on this and more in Vanity Fair’s Lie Detector Test. Watch the full video:… pic.twitter.com/EHaV5pOH60
The exchange then moved to Mangione's influence on fashion. After images of the defendant in court circulated online, one of the burgundy sweaters he wore became a viral fashion item, with the Nordstrom style reportedly selling out.
So, does Jacobs consider Mangione a trendsetter? Again, the answer was short and direct: 'Yes'.
The designer was also asked about a joke in his documentary suggesting that people should 'go to Marc Jacobs' for their trial outfits. When the interviewer asked whether he was offended that Gwyneth Paltrow chose not to wear Marc Jacobs during her civil ski collision trial, Jacobs said no.
Online Fans and Critics Clash
Not everyone saw Jacobs' answer the same way.
Some social media users appeared delighted by the idea, with several joking that a Marc Jacobs and Mangione collaboration should happen. One imagined a tongue-in-cheek Mangione fashion label, while another simply asked: 'Luigi X Marc Jacobs Collab, when?' Another enthusiastically wrote: 'Dress my man in nothing but the best, please, Mr Jacobs!'
But others were far less amused.
Critics criticised Jacobs for praising or supporting a man accused of murder. One online user commented: 'The absolute perversity of these people.' Another bluntly called Jacobs a 'terrible person'.
The divided reaction reflects not only the controversy surrounding Jacobs' comment but also Mangione's unusual celebrity status. To some, the fashion jokes are simply internet humour. To others, turning a murder defendant into a style reference crosses an uncomfortable line.
So, he's praising a murderer. Jacobs is a terrible person.
— kw1979 (@kw1979) August 19, 2026
Who Is Luigi Mangione?
Mangione, 28, was accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in December 2024. He recently pleaded guilty in federal court to charges connected to stalking and killing Thompson, admitting that he shot him outside a hotel.
What. The. Actual. Fuck. The man was murdered.
— Tess Whitney (@TessWhitney) August 18, 2026
His case has attracted enormous attention partly because of widespread anger towards the US healthcare system. In his federal plea, Mangione described frustrations over his own health problems and experiences with the insurance system.
That has helped fuel a devoted online following, with some people framing him as a symbol of dissatisfaction with healthcare. His appearance and courtroom outfits have only added to the fascination.
