The news that Marc Jacobs was canceling his holiday party — an 18-year tradition — unsettled many fashion insiders (especially those party loyalists who’d begun work on their “Rock & Roll Circus”-themed getups). And it was yet another reminder of hard times for the industry. “Due to the financial climate, I had to make the decision to cancel the 2008 holiday party,” Jacobs’ business partner Robert Duffy explained via press release on Nov. 4, adding that he hoped “it will be reinstated next year.” Without an over-the-top bash to cover this season, we combed the WWD archives to look back at the last five years of midgets, drag queens and outrageous costumes. We’ll surely miss the NC-17 merriment that is the Marc Jacobs holiday party.

2003
Theme: White and Silver
Marc Jacobs’ costume: Polar bear
Spotted: Sofia Coppola, Debbie Harry, Anna Sui, and Marc Jacobs employee Joseph Carter garbed as Coco Chanel (Click here for the backstory on Joseph's costume.)

Read about the 2003 party.

2004
Theme: Red and Gold
Marc Jacobs’ costume: Heinz ketchup bottle
Spotted: Chris Benz, Debbie Harry, Dita Von Teese

Read about the 2004 party.

2005
Theme: Wild West
Marc Jacobs’ costume: Wilbur from “Charlotte’s Web”
Spotted: Allison Sarofim, Amanda Lepore, Richie Rich, Sofia Coppola, André Leon Talley, Naomi Campbell

Read about the 2005 party.

2006
Theme: Carnival in Venice
Marc Jacobs’ costume: Venetian pigeon
Spotted: Amanda Lepore, Lapo Elkann, Rachel Roy, Damon Dash

Read about the 2006 party.

2007
Theme: Arabian Nights
Marc Jacobs’ costume: Camel Toe
Spotted: Bill Cunningham, Mickey Boardman

Read about the 2007 party.