Lacroix

Christian (1951). French designer. Lacroix burst onto the scene in the early 1980s with a brand new silhouette — the pouf skirt — and new source of inspiration, his hometown of Arles, in the Provence region of southern France, whose colors and design traditions continue to infuse his creations today. He studied art history at the University of Montpellier and moved to Paris in 1973, where he initially began studies to become a museum curator. He started designing fashions instead, encouraged by long-time business partner and friend Jean-Jacques Picart, and worked as an assistant both at Hermès and to designer Guy Paulin. In 1981 he was hired by the somewhat flailing couture house of Patou, and revived their couture business almost overnight with a show that turned him into a fashion star, and introduced the world to his bold mix of pattern, Provencal inspirations and joyful approach to color. He set up his own couture house in 1987, and in 1988 designed a ready-to-wear collection produced by Genny, the Ancona-based firm. Since then he has launched a number of secondary lines, including Bazar, a jeans line, a wedding division, perfumes and home accessories. He won the prestigious French design award, the Dé d’Or, in 1986 and 1988. He has also developed a long and much acclaimed career designing costumes for theater and the opera. A lover of flamboyancy and theatricality, Lacroix brings a unique sensuality, joy and opulence to the couture and all his designs.
&Quad;2001. His fashion house is acquired by the French group LVMH.
&Quad;2002, April. Lacroix is named artistic director of Emilio Pucci.
&Quad;2002, June. Bazar Enfant, a line for children, is launched.
&Quad;2002, October. He participates in The Fur Show Beijing 2002, presenting a line of fanciful furs.
&Quad;2003, April. He signs an agreement with the French company Sil for the production and distribution of the first Lacroix underwear line, launched in Summer 2004.
&Quad;2003, May. Lacroix takes part in the My Favorite Dress exhibition to celebrate the opening of the Fashion & Textile Museum of London.
&Quad;2003, June. Lacroix makes his menswear début.