Marc Jacobs Transforms Handbags into Pet Portrait Masterpieces in the Hamptons
As part of its ongoing Bark Jacobs initiative, Marc Jacobs is adding a bespoke and heartfelt twist to luxury retail in the Hamptons this summer. For three days beginning July 24, artist Zac Crawford—alongside another local artist—will be offering hand-painted pet portraits on select Marc Jacobs leather handbags at The Hub, the luxury retail co-op in Bridgehampton, New York.
The event kicks off with an exclusive two-hour launch celebration on Thursday evening, followed by two full days of by-appointment sessions. Customers purchasing a Marc Jacobs bag during the pop-up will have the unique opportunity to have their beloved pets immortalized in custom artwork on their new accessory—free of charge.
Zac Crawford, known for sketching pet portraits in New York City’s Washington Square Park, was discovered serendipitously by a Marc Jacobs team member scouting for artistic activations. Trained in illustration at Parsons and a graduate of LaGuardia High School, Crawford had once considered careers in comics or animation but found limited opportunities. Instead, he carved his niche by connecting directly with people in public spaces—and now, in luxury fashion.
“I never expected to end up painting pets at the Marc Jacobs headquarters,” Crawford reflects. The heartfelt nature of his work brings emotional moments—often filled with happy tears—from pet owners moved by the tribute to their companions. “There’s a real beauty in that connection,” he says.
This collaboration marks a new chapter for Crawford, whose success with brands like Moleskine and now Marc Jacobs has pulled him out of the park and into retail’s most stylish spaces. Along with fellow creative Zack White, he co-founded Juicebox New York, an agency dedicated to bringing authentic artist-led experiences to national brand events—including other Bark Jacobs pop-ups across the country.
As the fashion world becomes more digitized and AI-driven, Crawford believes this kind of intimate, handmade work is becoming increasingly valuable. “Human creativity and interaction are irreplaceable,” he says. “Watching an artist bring your pet to life, by hand, on a luxury bag—it doesn’t get more personal than that.”
This one-of-a-kind experience not only deepens the emotional value of Marc Jacobs accessories, but also highlights the brand’s continued commitment to blending artistry, storytelling, and personal expression into the luxury shopping journey.
