Marc Jacques Burton is breaking the mould. Unique, subversive and very punk, the creative designer has been making waves with his namesake label since launching in 2015. Now, almost seven years down the line and with the likes of Zayn Malik, Tom Holland and Juice Wrld among fans, MJB has become an streetwear staple. Known for their relaxed styles, punk aesthetic and rockstar appeal MJB knows a thing or two about breaking conventions. 

Hailing from London, Marc Jacques Burton cut his teeth in the U.K. club scene, and has become renowned for his groundbreaking collaborations. His latest endeavor? Appearing as a guest judge on The Drop, the BBC's new hit streetwear competition. 

To celebrate the launch The Drop, we sat down with Marc Jacques Burton. From his beginnings as a creative to what music means to him, it's time to get to know Marc Jacques Burton a little better...

How would you describe the MJB customer?

The MJB customer is an individual who is pushing boundaries and living their dreams. MJB customers are fearless and unafraid to stand out and be themselves. 

What makes an MJB piece?

MJB always starts in London. Each piece is made of the finest Italian materials to bring to life its designs from the streets of London. All of the pieces are made from the most luxurious materials with maximum comfort in mind, be it on stage or jetting around.

You started your career owning clubs in London, how do you feel that shaped you as a creative?

London has always been such a dynamic city. At some point everyone passes through London. At our clubs we were blessed to have incredible musicians and entertainers from around the world to pass by. The London nightlife seen was incredibly inspiring and eye opening, I got to see so many unique trends and meet people from all over the world.


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You have collaborated with some incredible brands… What is it about collaborating that appeals to you as a designer? Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with?

I love to collaborate. I feel that as an artist it pushed my boundaries and it gets me to look at the world through a new lens. It continually expands my thinking. For me as for a designer, it is special work with iconic creators and bring together brands with completely different identities. Each collaboration is different and special.

We’re huge fans of your recent collab with Von Dutch. What was the inspiration behind this?

With all collaborations that I do at MJB, there always needs to be a personal connection for me. I remember being 16 and buying a Von Dutch cap. I remember the feeling it gave me, as I knew of so many American celebrities wearing the cap in LA. Like a lot of people, I had not seen Von Dutch in years.  When Von Dutch approached me I knew I could put strong elements of both their brand and MJB and merge them together, I am really happy with how we merged the logos and that each item has the MJB punk stitch. The response has been incredible.

You’ve also collaborated with some musical giants like The Rolling Stones and Joy Division. How does music influence you as a designer?

Music has had a huge impact on my designs. Many musicians in the early days of MJB would rock our hand-painted and customised jackets. In designing at MJB, I have always imagined the needs of the global music star. The guiding principle of MJB brand is to “Live your dream.” I am inspired by creating stage-ready outfits for musicians. It is incredible to design pieces and then see them on rock-stars live on stage... in doing this, I am living my own dream.

Has music always been a big influence for you?

Music has always been a big influence for me. I grew up watching MTV. Through music videos it opened my eyes to what was happening in America and other parts of the world. I got to see the trends and fashions. I was also inspired and always blown away by live concerts. The electricity of the crowd was always incredible.

What is it that attracted you to the world of fashion? What’s your earliest fashion memory?

When I was 19, I lived in Paris and I was interning at L’Oréal, and we worked on Rue Saint Honoré. Every lunch time, I would walk the streets and be transfixed by the designer stores of all the biggest brands. At the same time, I also read books about how Gucci was founded.  I was very inspired, as it were founded by one person with one product. After this, I felt compelled to one day start my own brand.

Who inspires you in the fashion world?

The late Virgil Abloh had a powerful impact on me. I was always so inspired by how he uplifted everyone he met and how he showed younger designers like myself that anything is possible. He seemed to always have time for everyone and remained so humble despite all his successes. I will always remember the conversations I had with him. He was a true visionary.


You’ve spoken about becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability within fashion, how does this feed into your practices?

I put a lot of thought into each design and we then produce the garments in Italy with some of the highest quality materials. We intentionally keep our production runs limited. Each collection is an addition, meaning that people can re-wear older pieces and mix them with the new.\

What’s the most important thing for you when designing for MJB?

The key element is how my garments will make the wearer feel. I always want people to feel as good as they possible can when they rock an MJB piece.  \

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How has your creative vision developed as your brand has grown?

Initially when MJB started I was totally focused on making stage pieces for the musician. I wanted musicians to stand out and shine when they were wearing MJB. As the business developed I realised that musicians don/t always want to shine. Sometimes they need simpler pieces that they can wear to the music studio or on their tour bus in between shows. This lead me to design two side of the collection. The stage pieces and also the studio pieces that were designed for every day use.

Is there anything you would consider off limits for MJB?

In all that we create at MJB there has to be authenticity and truth to what we do. If we do not get that feeling then it becomes off limits and we drop the project.

You’ve grown up in London, how have you noticed style changing over the years?

It is epic to see so many diverse and different styles emerge from London. London, is always developing and changing. I feel like London is continually evolving as a city. That is also reflected in the style of Londoner’s.

We don’t like to pick favourites, but what do you feel are you’re really key pieces?

We have several key pieces at MJB. The stack jean is a key one. It is our take on the every day skinny jean but we have added the unique MJB touch through the ruched effect throughout. And our double denim sets are always a great option. They often integrate the MJB art that is printed onto them, they have proven to be super popular with musicians who rock them on stage.
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Your ‘Street Art’ collection is the ultimate city cool piece. What inspired you to combine street art and fashion?

When I started the brand I initially made black leather jackets and bomber jackets. I initially hand painted one for myself with my art. Zayn and other artists started to wear the jackets. I immediately realised that integrating my art onto pieces was a point of difference and I have never stopped doing it since.

Your brand is described as embodying the Brit Punk Scene of the 70s, what does this mean to you?

The Brit Punk Scene of the 70s had an opinion, a strong identity and they voiced it through their look.  Similar to the 70s punk followers, MJB expresses its perspectives through the brand’s clothes and elements such as hand-painted leather jackets, bomber jackets with studs, printed T-Shirts, artistic denim sets.


You recently appeared as a guest judge on The Drop, what did this experience mean to you?

It was truly an incredible experience to work with Miguel, Blondey, and Clara. The filming days were often long and intense, so I got to spend a large amount of time with my fellow judges. We shared many epic moments together. It was also fascinating to be able to share my perspective with the judges. We both agreed and disagreed on different points. I learnt a lot through listening to and understanding our different perspectives. It was also immense fun to work together. We always had a laugh and supported each other throughout. I really valued my time with the creatives. They worked so hard on each challenge. It was special to see how they developed as designers. The creatives were truly talented.

What does streetwear mean to you? How have you seen streetwear evolve over the years?

Streetwear is anything you dare to wear, whether this be something bold or more classic. For me, it is a way to express your individuality and to show who you are. People have changed the way they live their lives and have become more up to wearing daring styles.

Any up-and-coming streetwear designs that you’re excited by right now?

The brands to look out for are BVL designs, Misemi, Gbadebo, GoGuy, Saint Mind, Vagabond, Ruth Peterson, Donk wear and Dysfunctional. I am also a fan of Yeboah, an epic London streetwear designer and FELT an American brand.