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.
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1998 Limited Edition Silver Plated Unicorn Paperweight
By Christofle, Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX rare 1998 limited edition silver plated unicorn paperweight. Manufactured by CHRISTOFLE Paris. Signed CL and dated 1998. Indicative measurements : base approx. 6...
Hermes Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned metal a...
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
$420Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 1920s Silver Hair Brush with Horse Hair Bristles
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
1920s Tiffany & Co Silver 925 Hair Brush in good condition, brush is made of real horse hair, comes with certificate of authenticity 24x8.5x4cm
Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare Print
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...
Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries Mini Ashtray Set of Two Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries set of two ( 2 ) mini ashtrays. Rouge H and Terracotta colorway. A perfect accent piece f...
Hermes Burgundy Large Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Burgundy Large Box leather notebook cover featuring contrasted stitching, internal logo stamp, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Len...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
$2,475Sale Price|36% Off
Gucci Italy Extremely Rare Sterling Silver Art Deco Vanity Grooming Set c 1950
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Italy Extremely rare sterling silver art deco vanity grooming set c 1950 The opulent sterling silver Gucci grooming set consist of a hand mirror, a handle brush, a rectangular hand brush, a rectangular glass cosmetic box and a circular glass cosmetic jar The sterling silver accessories are designed with impressed grooved linear striped bands. A crown symbol is engraved in a smooth polished circular band on each accessory Makes an exquisite decorative collectible placed on a vanity dressing table. The crisp severe art deco design has an unisex aesthetic Four of the grooming accessories are stamped: Gucci 925...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 8 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Moroccan Silver Choker with Colorful Glass Beads and Coins
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A Moroccan Tribal jewelry vintage a chocker inlaid with colorful glass beads in red and green and dangling coins. Silver, but not of the standard of sterling and richly embellished with applied silver designs and filigree. Chocker size: 10" height x 10" wide including coins. chocker only is 8" x 8". German nickel coin silver. A Moroccan beautiful ethnic metal silvered jewelry choker.It is a traditional piece of jewelry that is worn around the neck handmade by skilled artisans in Morocco and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Berber region. The choker is crafted using high-quality silver coin metal and adorned with coins and beads glass and ornate with typical designs and patterns and filigree work, and incorporate elements such as engraved motifs, geometric shapes, or symbolic symbols that hold cultural significance in Moroccan tradition carefully crafted to create a visually stunning and unique piece of jewelry. These chokers are commonly worn by women in traditional Moroccan attire during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, or cultural celebrations. However, they have also gained popularity as fashionable accessories that can be worn with contemporary outfits, adding a touch of exotic flair to any ensemble. Overall, a Moroccan ethnic silver...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Rare Three Boutique Jewelry Displays
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage rare set of three boutique jewelry displays. Free form structure covered with black velvet. Gold tone textured sun...
Christian Lacroix New Gold Hand Blown Glass Heart Ornament with Tassel
By Christian Lacroix
Located in San Francisco, CA
Christian Lacroix gold mouth blown and hand painted glass heart ornament with bead accents and a multicolored tassel at bottom. Signed "CL' at a sun shaped charm at top. Made in Pol...
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H 2.96 in W 1.46 in L 2.68 in
Christian Lacroix Rare 1998 Limited Edition Silver Plated Unicorn Paperweight
By Christian Lacroix, Christofle
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX rare 1998 limited edition silver plated unicorn paperweight. Manufactured by CHRISTOFLE. Signed CL and dated 1998. JEWELRY CONDITION CHART - New or never ...