In the world of fashion, which let's face it, decides what is hip for the rest of the world, there are only two ways to dress. You can dress to the prevailing trend's current whim, like famed celebrities, or dress to be one of those people whose style rises above the changing trends and is timeless.

Any other handbag might be the flavor of the month, or week, but a Marc Jacobs handbag is something that stands out from the mass of imitators and knockoffs. With its bold colors and striking styles, Marc Jacobs handbags are made for a woman who prides herself on distinction, by a man who has defined himself for his excellence in design and his eye for fashion forward style.

The Marc Behind Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs was born in New York City in 1963. Even as a young child his talent for design and his superb eye stood out. His father took note of young Marc's abilities and encouraged him to develop them, enrolling him in New York's High School of Art and Design. Marc moved from there to the world renowned Parson's School of Design in 1981.

While at Parson's he created his own distinct style, classy yet cutting-edge, and garnered many awards including Design Student of the Year and the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble. Marc also become the youngest artist to be awarded The Council of Fashion Designer's of America's (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent, the Nobel prize of the fashion industry.

More recently, in 1999, Marc was named CFDA's Accessory Designer of the Year. We can be sure that in the future, more accolades will be granted him, and that he will continue to astonish us with his work.

Marc's abilities garnered him the attention of industry insiders. He was granted a position at the celebrated Perry Ellis design house, and created a highly successful grunge style. Although this product was successful, Marc was kicked out because his work clashed with house's image. Never daunted, Marc continued to create and gain supporters and fans, finally launching the highly sought after Marc by Marc Jacobs brand, which includes the prestigious Marc Jacobs handbags. Currently Marc is Louis Vuitton's creative director.

Marc introduced his hallmark Marc Jacobs handbags collection in 2000. Even as the line swelled in popularity, Marc Jacobs handbags maintained Marc's singular style and displayed a sophistication that never sways with changing trends. Marc Jacobs handbags are known for their fashion forward edginess, their defining grunge look startling and pleasing at the same time.

In 2002, Marc paired up with his friend Christy Turlington to design a yoga bag to benefit Cancer Care. But today there's even more. Marc by Marc Jacobs boasts an entire line of signature accessories that are meant to accompany Marc Jacobs handbags. Marc's distinct style and enlightened design certainly has not been fully exploited, so we'll just have to wait and see what will come next.