Christian Lacroix Overview

Christian Lacroix is one of the most influential couturiers of the last twenty years. His over-the-top, sumptuous ensembles have come to symbolize the decadence and glamour of the 1980s. As a young man, Lacroix was very interested in European fashion history;... [more]

Christian Lacroix is one of the most influential couturiers of the last twenty years. His over-the-top, sumptuous ensembles have come to symbolize the decadence and glamour of the 1980s. As a young man, Lacroix was very interested in European fashion history; he initially wanted to be a museum curator. By a twist of fate, Lacroix began working for Hermes in the early eighties in their color department. Eventually he opened his own couture house in 1987, and a ready to wear line later. Lacroix's fashions are renowned for their bright colors, heavy ornamentation, and luxurious fabrics. Constantly drawing from historical silhouettes, Lacroix manages to change their look and interpretation. The pouf skirt that became so popular in the late eighties is credited to the House of Lacroix. In 2009, Lacroix was forced to declare bankruptcy, and at the present time it is uncertain whether or not he will be able to continue producing his haute couture. [show less]