Gerrit Jacob – Voices from Central Saint Martins

Gerrit Jacob

Journal

Gerrit Jacob, a German designer, honed his craft at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London before making impactful contributions to Balenciaga, YEEZY, Martine Rose, and Gucci. After this diverse journey, he returned to Germany in 2021, launching his own label and swiftly establishing himself as a compelling emerging talent.

His Berlin-based brand swiftly gained recognition for its unique aesthetic, notably with the “A Secret Between Us” line, captivating fashion icons like Burna Boy, ROSALÍA, and Dua Lipa.

Distinguished by its unrestrained neon ethos, the brand juxtaposes vivid imagery with traditional luxury craftsmanship. The fall/winter 2023 collection, named “SCUM,” delves into contrasting combinations, drawing inspiration from both optimism and a sense of decadence. This duality echoes throughout the collection, with diverse fabrics and bold airbrush designs on unexpected silhouettes, defining a distinctive, queer-infused boldness.

Gerrit Jacob’s iconic creations, brimming with relentless individuality, aim to channel the frustrations of modern existence. His ambitious vision appears to have resonated profoundly in the fashion landscape.

Back when Gerrit Jacob was just starting to make a name for himself, we got to work together on some pieces for his Masters collection. That’s when we took the chance to chat with him about his background in education and what he hoped to achieve in the future.

What kind of project did you develop with Tonello?

As part of my Masters collection, I began exploring the concept of creating an entire ensemble in a black & white marble wash. With Malin’s assistance, I collaborated with Tonello to bring this vision to life. I forwarded several test pieces for the wash, which Tonello achieved using innovative and eco-conscious laser processes—a departure from the typical method involving harsh acids for a marble wash. The collection comprised two intricate pieces assembled in London, subsequently shipped to Italy for the specialized treatment.

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How did you find yourself in collaborating with Tonello?

My collaboration with Tonello, though brief, proved incredibly valuable. It was a learning experience where I gained insights into various laser, wash, and ozone treatments. The team was not only friendly but also exceedingly helpful throughout the process. Even after I departed, we maintained communication, and upon their completion of the garments following my return to London, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the final results.

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What did your experience at Tonello contribute to your work perspective?

It definitely provided me with a clearer understanding of collaborating with an external supplier. Malin was incredibly supportive, arranging meetings with Isko for fabric and taking me to Denim Premier Vision. These visits offered valuable insights into various factory capabilities, possibilities, and constraints. This experience also instilled in me a heightened sense of vigilance in meeting deadlines and meticulously preparing each stage—ranging from sample preparation for wash tests to crafting the garments alongside my close friend Jegor—at precisely the right moment.

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Can you tell us what happened to you from both professional and personal point of view?

I graduated from my Masters at Central Saint Martins in March 2019 and subsequently started working in the Gucci design team in Rome from April 2019. For a deepen look at my work, I recommend you browse inside my website!

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How do you imagine your personal and professional future? Do you have any upcoming project?

For the moment I am gaining experience working within the industry as part of a design team but in the mid-term I am certainly thinking of starting a project of my own. Anyway, the exact shape or form of that will be decided by whatever circumstances I happen to find myself in once I am ready.

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