Christian Lacroix is one of the most famous and influential fashion designers in the world. He is known for his extravagant and colorful creations, often inspired by the history, art and culture of his native southern France. Lacroix revolutionized haute couture and breathed new life into it by combining it with humor, fantasy and elegance.
Lacroix was born in 1951 in Arles, a city with a rich Roman and Provençal past. As a child, he was fascinated by fashion and costumes and collected images from magazines and books. He first studied French literature at the University of Montpellier and later art history at the Sorbonne in Paris. He originally wanted to become a curator or museum curator, but his destiny changed when he was discovered in 1978 by Jean-Jacques Picart, a fashion consultant working for Hermès.
Picart recognized Lacroix’s talent and offered him the chance to work for him. Lacroix started as an assistant and soon became Picart’s creative head. He designed collections for various fashion houses such as Guy Paulin and Patou. He developed a distinctive style that combined traditional elements such as lace, embroidery, ruffles and flounces with modern cuts and materials. He played with contrasts and created dramatic silhouettes that emphasized femininity.
In 1987, Lacroix founded his own fashion house. He presented his first haute couture collection at the Louvre in July of the same year. The show was a sensational success and made Lacroix a star of the fashion scene overnight. His dresses were opulent, glamorous and original. He invented the “pouf,” a voluminous skirt made of tulle or silk, which became his trademark. He mixed different patterns, colors and fabrics and created unique combinations. He drew inspiration from different eras and regions, such as the Baroque, the Orient or the Mediterranean.
Lacroix expanded his empire with a prêt-à-porter line, perfumes, jewelry, accessories and home textiles. He also worked as a costume designer for theaters, operas and ballets, and as an illustrator for books and magazines. He has received several awards, including the Order of the French Legion of Honor.
Lacroix’s success did not last, however. His fashion house suffered from the global financial crisis and the decline in demand for haute couture. In 2009, he had to file for bankruptcy and cease his activities. He lost the rights to his name and brand. He then focused on other projects such as designing hotels, trains and airplanes.
However, Lacroix never stopped dreaming and creating. In 2005, he founded his company the XCLX Studio, which specializes in art and design projects.