The Drop | Interview with Marc Jacques Burton

What can you tell us about this brand-new show?

The Drop is an inspirational, exciting and unpredictable fashion show competition. It sees fashion designers competing against each other as weekly challenges are set by the judges.  I love the fact that there is so much talent on display by the creative contestants.  It will be super exciting to see how the creatives evolve and grow throughout the series. Each episode will have so much tension and suspense, as each week one creative, sadly has to be dropped. This was always the most difficult part of being a judge on The Drop.

Every week, the viewers will get to know the creatives better.  This will lead to an emotional roller coaster as we witness the highs and lows that the creatives will face in the weekly challenges. The show will be unpredictable, as the creatives are so talented and many of the challenges are extremely tough. Each week it will be impossible to know who is going to stay or be dropped from the show. A beautiful human side will be shown as bonds evolve between the creatives even though they are in competition with each other.

What inspired you to create your fashion brand?

It was always a dream of mine to have my own fashion brand.  For a long time I thought it wasn’t possible as I worked in nightlife and had no formal training in fashion or experience. I wanted to prove to myself that I could bring the vision I had for my brand to life. In doing this, I hoped that I could be an example and inspire others to do the same.

I have always loved how musicians have inspired so many people. I wanted to build a fashion brand that musicians could feel comfortable performing in as well as travelling or recording in at the studio.

What made you want to be a judge for The Drop?

Whilst building MJB, my clothing brand, over the last five years, I have learnt so much in the process. As with all businesses, there have been incredible highs and some painful lows. I have a personal philosophy that we should all try and live the dreams within us. When I first started MJB, I did not have any fashion education, training, or experience within the industry. I simply had my dream to create a brand and my desire and passion to create it. As I had never worked in fashion and was working in nightlife, many people did not believe in me.

Over the course of this journey, I have learnt so many lessons and been extremely fortunate to have been mentored by people. As a judge, I wanted to share with and encourage the creatives on the show to follow their dreams and build their own brands. I also love what I do, so I hope that the show inspires viewers to follow their dreams, and to become designers or whatever else they choose to be.

How would you describe your judging style?

My judging style was based on three important factors to me. The first was that I wanted to uplift the creatives and let them know that they could do it. As humans, we all have our self-doubts. As a judge, I felt it was crucial to be able to support and uplift the creatives.

Secondly, I wanted to be honest and express my views.  In business and in fashion I feel that too often people follow the crowds and say what people think they should say. I believe it is crucial to be authentic and voice what you feel.  I have been able to create my brand MJB because I always expressed what I liked and did not like. 

Lastly, I always wanted the best for the creatives. I tried to give constructive feedback and advice.  It was key for me that the creatives learn, evolve and grow. I always wanted to pass on lessons that I have learnt from being a part of the industry.

What was it like to work alongside the other judges and Clara?

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. I loved the fact that we all wanted the absolute best for the creatives and the show. It was also immense fun to work together. We always had a laugh and supported each other throughout. I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Miguel, Blondey and Clara.

What is the best advice you’ve received in your career that you’d pass onto the creatives?

The best advice I ever received was to truly believe in yourself. At the start of your journey, you simply have an idea in your mind that no one else can see. Naturally, as others cannot see into your mind, it is difficult for them to envision. Therefore, at the start you must believe in yourself and your vision. Along the road, there will be pitfalls and obstacles. Through a strong self-belief you can surmount any obstacle. I always wanted the creatives to know how powerful their minds are and that anything is possible if they commit to it.

What would you say makes The Drop different from other business competitions?

I felt like the challenges within The Drop are exceptionally life-like, representing the real challenges that a designer would face in building their brands. Because of this, there is a lot that the viewers can learn from watching the show. A huge amount of care went into preparing the challenges as well as their being a lot of consideration in how we gave feedback to the creatives. The show really cares and wants the best for the creatives. It is fascinating to see the human side of how the creatives interacted with one another, often supporting each other despite being in competition. 

What can viewers expect from the series when they tune into BBC Three?

Firstly, the viewers can expect a lot of surprises, as nothing is guaranteed in The Drop. The show takes you on an emotional roller coaster as you get to know the creatives and their brands better each week. Through building a connection with the creatives, you will feel the diverse emotions that they go through, as they partake in the weekly challenges. There is fun, laughter and tears. On top of this, the show is inspiring as it shows you what can be achieved if you set your mind to completing a task. Expect the unexpected on the show.