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Christian Lacroix

French, b. 1951

At a time when sharp padded shoulders and crisp lines were trending, Christian Lacroix created venturesome clothing that was bubbly, flirtatious and exuberant.

The iconic French fashion designer, whose body of work includes handbags and purses, evening dresses, jackets and lots more, has always favored theater over fashion. He has long integrated corsets and bustles into his work, drawing on diverse cultures and citing epic historical dramas as inspirations. Today he is creating opera costumes, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his colorful and voluminous garments captured the excesses and defined the extravagant frivolity of the 1980s as well as the sensuality and boldness of the 1990s.

Lacroix studied art history at the University of Montpellier and museum studies at École du Louvre and the Sorbonne in Paris. He aspired to become a museum curator or costume designer but instead entered the world of fashion, specifically haute couture, with the support of his now-wife Françoise Rosenthiel, who helped get his sketches to Hermès. Lacroix was offered an assistant job at the legendary luxury brand and later worked as a designer at the House of Patou in 1981.

Lacroix’s career flourished and his profile soared from then on, as he established his own label in 1987, using layers of fabric and consistently clashing prints in his designs for opulent pouf skirts, vibrant floral maxi day dresses as well as jewelry and watches that commanded attention. He created a ready-to-wear line for Italian manufacturer Genny and dressed dancers at the American Ballet Theatre company.

Lacroix became the artistic director of Italian fashion house Emilio Pucci in 2002, and, over time, he continued to secure work in the fields of theater, opera and other performance art, designing costumes for a range of stage productions. Alongside designs by Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and others, Madonna wore a corset during her 2004 “Re-Invention World Tour” that was created for her by Lacroix.

Today, the maison founded by the designer in 1987 is owned by the Falic Fashion Group, but Lacroix continues to design womenswear for brands such as Desigual as well as for the stage. His larger-than-life aesthetic has also been translated into a range of accessories and fragrances as well as various interior furnishings such as tableware and household linens. Lacroix has completed interior design projects at a number of hotels and has partnered with the likes of Christofle and other firms over the years. In whatever form it takes, the sumptuousness and glamour of a Lacroix design is unmistakable.

Find a range of vintage Christian Lacroix clothing, jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$733
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Printed stretch jersey dress Christian LACROIX
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cotton stretch jersey dress. Bow on the top middle front. SIZE S
Category

1990s Unknown Christian Lacroix

Wool double breasted jacket with Tartan pattern Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool double breasted jacket with Tartan pattern. The fabric composition tag has been cut but the jacquard lining is probably in rayon Details in black velvet with eyelet. Button (co...
Category

1990s French Christian Lacroix

Vintage Black & Multicolor Christian Lacroix Wool Checkerboard & Striped Skirt S
By Christian Lacroix
Located in New York, NY
Vintage black and multicolor wool checkerboard and striped skirt suit by Christian Lacroix. Circa 1992-1993. Blazer features pointed collar, dual faux hip pockets, and oversized gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix coat Winter 1997
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Multicolored lurex coat with resin buttons decorated with pearls. Size 38FR. 1997 Fall-Winter Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimens...
Category

1990s French Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix Vintage Unworn Bustier Corset Sheer Lace Metallic Crop Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Naples, FL
Christian Lacroix Vintage Unworn Bustier Corset Sheer Lace Metallic Crop Top Original Retail $6,600 Size: FR 38 Condition: Unworn with tags FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @OPULENTADDICT
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix, Strapless nude colored dress
By Christian Lacroix
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Lacroix, Strapless nude colored dress with bustier. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: IT40 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 82 cm, ...
Category

2010s Christian Lacroix

Vintage Christian Lacroix 7320 Cat `Eye Sunglasses 80's Austria
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Christian Lacroix Cat Eye Sunglasses. Translucent Yellow & Gold Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Brown Gradient Lenses. New, Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item May Show...
Category

1980s Austrian Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix Ecru Blazer & Trousers Set Size M
By Christian Lacroix
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. Minor wear to the blazer is evident, there is discolouration in the lining around the underarms. There are marks on the shoulders, the front the left sleeve, the f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Christian Lacroix

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Christian Lacroix fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Christian Lacroix fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of pink, red, purple and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Emanuel Ungaro, Balmain, and Karl Lagerfeld appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Christian Lacroix fashion from top boutiques around the world. Christian Lacroix fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $69 and tops out at $166,941, while the average work can sell for $697.
Questions About Christian Lacroix
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Christian Lacroix is a French fashion designer who started a fashion house under his name in 1987. Though it eventually folded in 2009, Lacroix’s imaginative and insouciant designs, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s, are highly sought after by collectors today. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly-vetted Christian Lacroix garments from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Christian Lacroix founded Christian Lacroix. The fashion designer was born in Arles, France, in 1951 and studied art history at the University of Montpellier and museum studies at the École du Louvre and the Sorbonne in Paris. Lacroix aspired to become a museum curator or costume designer but instead entered the world of fashion, specifically haute couture, after he was offered an assistant job at the legendary luxury brand Hermès. In 1981, he became a designer at the House of Patou. Then, he established his eponymous brand in 1987. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Christian Lacroix apparel and accessories.

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