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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
$672
Styles
Related Creators
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Massive Gold Tone Cross Pendant Necklace
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage massive textured gold tone openwork cross pendant necklace. The cross can be used as a brooch or a pendant. Gold tone chain (unmarked). Hook clasp closure...
Category

20th Century French Christian Lacroix

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Cross Brooch Pendant
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone cross brooch/pendant embellished with multicolored crystals. Can be worn as a brooch or a pendant. Embossed CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Made in France....
Category

20th Century French Christian Lacroix

Materials

Gilt Metal

Christian Lacroix Silvery Metal Cuff Bracelet
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Silvery metal cuff bracelet decorated with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 15 cm - Opening: 2 cm Seller ...
Category

1990s French Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix Golden Metal Pins
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Golden metal pins with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 2.5 cm Seller Reference: BR191
Category

1990s Christian Lacroix

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Textured Gold Tone Cross Dangling Earrings
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage textured gold tone cross dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with a crystal ball. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX E94 Made in France. Indicative measurements...
Category

20th Century French Christian Lacroix

Materials

Gilt Metal

Christian Lacroix Vintage Large Flower Crystals Pearl Heart Mirror Gold Pendant
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Baroque Large Intertwined Flower Oval Round Aqua Amethyst Emerald Blue Purple Green Crystals White Pearl Heart Mirror Chunky Necklace Pendant, Gold Plated ...
Category

1990s French Art Deco Christian Lacroix

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Lacroix Runway Bracelet Bangle Yellow and Black Fabric
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional Christian Lacroix Paris signed bracelet bangle is a runway model from the Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection catwalk show. The design is documented. Please see the...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix Vintage Cross Blue Pink Green Crystals Silver Pendant Brooch
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Cross Blue Pink Green Crystals Pendant Brooch Silver Tone Can be worn as brooch or necklace pendant. 100% Genuine. V...
Category

1980s French Art Deco Vintage Christian Lacroix

Materials

Silver

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Creators Similar to Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Christian Lacroix jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gilt metal. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Christian Lacroix jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Christian Lacroix pearl jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 4, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 366 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Givenchy, Claude Montana, and Herve Van Der Straeten. Prices for Christian Lacroix jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $161 and tops out at $7,208, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $801.
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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