Marc Jacobs' latest runway collection features 19 looks in five minutes

…and that is enough time to make an impression.

Marc Jacobs returned to the New York Public Library to show his Runway 2026 collection, titled Beauty. The show, held last June 30, featured just 19 looks and lasted about five minutes. Quick, focused, and in line with Jacobs’ recent habit of keeping things short and, well, on time.

Set to the haunting notes of “Song for Jesse” by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, the show began with a model in a pair of sculptural cargo pants and a lace bodysuit with balloon sleeves which actually set the tone. The rest of the collection followed suit with clothes that were theatrical, oversized, and intentionally surreal. Giant padded hips, platform heels, long bustles, sleeves that curled and cocooned.

There were lace slip dresses, layered skirts, fitted bustiers, and tailored jackets but everything was blown out of scale, exaggerated to the point of fantasy. Jacobs played with beauty and absurdity, glamour and humor. One look layered a pastel nightgown over inflated pillow-like hips, while another paired a strapless bustier with denim that billowed out at the sides like sails.

Even red carpet staples like sequin gowns and slips were reworked with volume and weight. Some pieces looked like they were inflated or stitched together from doll clothes. Others felt like a tribute to a Belle Époque era in France, complete with ruffles, peplums, and sculpted silhouettes.

Almost every look came with a giant bow or a surreal twist on something classic. Jacobs also introduced a new bag called Christina, which debuted on the runway.

*The Christina bag as seen on the guests at the show and on Marc Jacobs himself*

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In the show notes, Jacobs defined beauty, as lifted from The American Heritage Dictionary: “a quality or combination of qualities that gives pleasure to the mind or senses…often associated with harmony of form or color, proportion, and authenticity.” With this collection, he tested that definition. Beauty was messy, padded, excessive but also emotional and unforgettable.

See more of the looks below: