Bette Midler is the new face of Marc Jacobs
By Ben Kelly
Entertainment legend Bette Midler has been unveiled as the new face of Marc Jacobs, in a new shot from his 2016 campaign.
In the image, taken by David Sims and shared on Jacob’s Instagram, the 70-year-old singer is seen modelling a black and white kimono, with prints of opera diva Maria Callas across it.
In an accompanying note, the fashion designer writes that is is “a privilege it is to know your heroes,” before describing how he first came to know of the Divine Miss M.
“My earliest memory of Bette Midler was somewhere around the age of nine years old. I remember (at that young precocious age) hearing about her performances in the basement of the Ansonia Hotel’s, Continental Baths. I vividly remember the genuine excitement and love I had for Bette’s music. I was curious and excited by her energy, power and the exuberance in her voice and bold, brassy glamour.”
He also admits that at age ten, he recreated the image of Midler, drawn for her first album cover, on the back of a jean jacket, which he then wore to school.
“I have always maintained that I’m a New Yorker above all else, a different breed entirely – one whom at nine years old is aware of the Continental Baths and more importantly the sexy, glamorous and sublime, Bette Midler.”
Midler, who released her fourteenth album It’s the Girls! last year, is expected to star in a forthcoming Netflix film with her First Wives Club co-stars Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton – pictured below at a recent get together.
Marc Jacobs has form in honouring female icons in his campaigns: the 2016 campaign also features comedy star Sandra Bernhard, and music legend Cher featured in his 2014 campaign.
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