Marc Jacobs is looking back on one of the most talked-about scandals of his career, reflecting on the infamous 10-man sex party story that made headlines in 2015.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, the celebrated fashion designer spoke openly about his past, his sexuality and the intense media attention that followed reports of an alleged party at his home. Rather than shying away from the subject, Jacobs said he now feels increasingly comfortable being honest about parts of his life that others might prefer to keep private.
The conversation comes as the 63-year-old designer enters a new chapter professionally and personally, following the sale of the Marc Jacobs label by LVMH to WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group.
Marc Jacobs Reflects on the Infamous Party
The controversy dates back to October 2015, when Page Six reported that Jacobs had allegedly hosted a large sex party involving as many as 10 people.
At the time, the report described an event involving young guests and alleged drug use. Jacobs quickly pushed back against the portrayal, arguing on Instagram that the gathering had been much more 'mild' than the sensational version reported by the gossip publication.
His response became part of the story itself, as the designer publicly criticised the person who had allegedly provided information to the press.
Jacobs also appeared to make light of the controversy by posting a shirtless image of himself over the Grindr logo, accompanied by a message saying goodbye to the dating app.
Years later, however, Jacobs appears to view the episode with considerably less concern.
'I'm a Gay Designer Who Likes to Have Sex'
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Jacobs acknowledged that the Grindr controversy had once seemed like a much bigger deal than it does to him now.
'I remember the Grindr thing was such a big deal,' he said. 'I'm like, 'Yes, I'm a gay designer who likes to have sex. What can I tell you?'
The remark reflects a broader attitude Jacobs says he has developed towards discussing his personal life. Rather than letting others control the narrative around him, the designer said he has found freedom in being open about experiences that might otherwise become gossip or speculation.
'I get a good feeling about being honest,' Jacobs said.
He added that he enjoys revealing things that other people might choose to keep secret, while making clear that he still has the right to decline questions he does not want to answer.
From Scandal to Self-Acceptance
The 2015 controversy was not the only moment when Jacobs' private life became unexpectedly public.
Earlier that year, the designer accidentally posted a nude photograph on Instagram. The image quickly attracted widespread attention, but Jacobs eventually embraced the incident rather than allowing it to define him.
His approach to both episodes illustrates how he has often handled public scrutiny: with humour, confidence and a willingness to acknowledge uncomfortable moments on his own terms.
For Jacobs, the issue now appears to be less about the scandal itself and more about personal honesty.
'If I don't want to answer, I won't, but I'm not going to lie about it,' he told Vanity Fair, while discussing subjects ranging from his past drug use to his experiences on Grindr.
Jacobs has also previously spoken publicly about his sobriety. According to the report, he has been sober since 2016, marking another significant change in his life over the past decade.
A New Chapter for Marc Jacobs
While Jacobs' personal life continues to attract interest, his career remains at the centre of his identity.
The fashion designer has spent four decades establishing himself as one of the industry's most influential figures. He previously served as creative director of Louis Vuitton before focusing on his own eponymous label.
The recent sale of the Marc Jacobs brand has brought another major transition. Despite the change in ownership, Jacobs said his future in fashion remains positive, even if he does not have every detail mapped out.
'I don't have any definitive answers,' he told Vanity Fair. 'I remain kind of positive, I guess, is the easiest way to say it.'
For fans of his work, that optimism is perhaps more significant than the old scandals that continue to follow his name.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Jacobs' personal priorities have also evolved.
He lives in Rye with his husband, Char Defrancesco, whom he married in 2019. The couple's life outside New York City appears to represent a quieter chapter for the designer.
Defrancesco told Vanity Fair that Jacobs has embraced their home in Rye, describing it as a sanctuary where he enjoys the peace, nature and even feeding the local squirrels and chipmunks.
It is a far cry from the image of the designer at the centre of a sensational tabloid story.
Still, Jacobs has not rejected his past. Instead, he appears to have reached a point where he can discuss it without embarrassment.
Marc Jacobs Chooses Honesty Over Secrecy
The latest Marc Jacobs interview offers a glimpse at a designer who seems increasingly comfortable with his own history.
The infamous 10-man sex party story may have once dominated headlines, but Jacobs now treats the episode as one part of a much larger life and career. His willingness to discuss it openly also reflects a broader shift in how he approaches fame, privacy and personal identity.
For Jacobs, the message is simple: he may choose what he wants to discuss, but he no longer feels compelled to hide behind someone else's version of his story.
And after decades in the public eye, that confidence may be one of his most revealing statements yet.
