Christian Lacroix Biography:
Christian Lacroix was born in 1951 in Trinquetaille, France. As a child Lacroix, like innumerable other young fashion designers, had a knack for the art. Lacroix loved to sketch famous dresses and menswear from history.
Lacroix attended the University of Montpellier, presumably studying Art History. He continued his studies at the world-renowned Sorbonne in Paris, where he completed a dissertation on 18th-century French art. The budding art historian also pursued a degree in museum studies at France’s Louvre Museum. Lacroix’s young maturation was unusual for its intellectuality and emphasis on art history.
Christian Lacroix in Fashion:
The French design company Hermes hired Lacroix in 1978 as a color scheme and hands-on design assistant. There Lacroix honed his budding skills for the next three years, until he opted for employment at Jean Patou’s fashion house. From 1981 to 1987 Lacroix worked in a happy relationship with Patou.
By 1987 Lacroix was confident enough to begin his own couture venture.
Christian Lacroix's Success:
Lacroix grew to become internationally renowned for his elegance, opulence, and attention to design – all which can be seen to stem from the designer’s rich appreciation of traditional forms of fashion. The Council of Fashion Designers named Lacroix the most influential foreign designer in 1987, only the first year of his couture.
The designer from Arles has also been noted for his ability to draw from a variety of cultures in his couture designs. His 1994 Bazar line constituted an entire collection based on a culture, folklore, and tradition.
Christian Lacroix at Emilio Pucci:
As early as 1989 Lacroix had jumped on the growing bandwagon among designers to branch out into ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, eyewear, ties, scarves and other accessories – and he did so with considerable success.
In 2002, Lacroix accepted an offer to serve as design director for the prestigious Emilio Pucci label, a position he was to hold for the next three years.
