He is living in a very fast lane but it is one that many men and women would love to try on for size. Marc Jacobs is an acclaimed fashion designer who has worked his way to the top of his field.

Born in 1963, Marc Jacobs attended the High School of Art and Design and graduated in 1981 before going on to pursue his craft more professionally at Parsons School of Design in New York City. While he was a student at Parsons, Jacobs won the coveted Gold Thimble Award in 1984.

While he was still enrolled in classes at Parsons, Marc Jacobs designed and later sold a line of hand knit sweaters. In 1984, he also formed a solid partnership with Robert Duffy and today Jacob Duffy Designs Inc. continues to operate.

1987 brought with it a very notable award and one that Marc Jacobs had certainly earned. The Council of Fashion Designers of America adorned Jacobs with the Perry Ellis Award for New Talent. In 1992, the council gave Jacobs another honor when he won the award for The Women's Designer of the Year Award.

After graduating from Parsons, he designed what was considered the "grunge" collection for Perry Ellis. It was cause for his immediate termination. Today, Marc Jacobs has a well-respected position with Louis Vuitton. He is the artistic director and has been there since 1997.

Even though he can be considered somewhat controversial, Jacobs is ranked currently at Out Magazine's list of "50 Most Powerful Men and Women in America". However, he hasn't been without imperfections. He has recently been in the news for his drug and alcohol abuse along with his recent stay at a rehab facility.