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Making his Marc in style

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Over the past 28 years, Robert Duffy and Marc Jacobs have become one of fashion's most famous working partnerships. They co-founded Marc Jacobs International (MJI) when Jacobs was only 20 years old and was Duffy 29. Today, they head an array of labels under the brand and push the envelope with their young, hip and at times controversial approach.

Duffy admits that they are a bit of an unlikely match. 'I like a fast pace and change, but Marc doesn't actually like change,' he says. 'Marc likes to own his craft. He can spend six months deciding on which shade of blue to use.'

But Duffy's role as chief executive isn't simply that of yang to Jacobs' yin. He is deeply involved in the creative process as well as the business side. He even has a hand in production for the fashion shows.

This year has been a huge coup for the pair, and not just in terms of profits. Last week's Council of Fashion Designers of America awards honoured Jacobs with a lifetime achievement award. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of their diffusion label, Marc by Marc Jacobs. And, a new perfume called Oh, Lola has just launched, with 17-year-old actress Dakota Fanning as the face of the fragrance.

'Our company had its strongest growth during the recession, and it's almost doubled every year for the last five years,' Duffy says.

The duo were also taken on as creative director (Jacobs) and studio director (Duffy) of Louis Vuitton, where they launched the luxury accessories brand's first ready-to-wear collection.

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