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Designer Christian Lacroix

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Submitted By cmartin01
Words 798
Pages 4
Tiffany Reynolds
Professor: Diane Maglio
Intro Fashion 101
3/24/2014

"Dare devil of Fashion"

Christian Marie Lacroix was born in 1951 in Arles, France. He attended the University of Montpellier where he received his degree in Arts. Shortly after he attended, Ecole du Louvre where he received training as a museum curator. With a love for art but no jobs available in his field he was able to move on and become a star. Christian became a designer who created costumes for the Paris and Metropolitan Opera ballet, uniforms for airline attendants and gowns for many celebrities. Lacroix became well known for his craft in the business and made an impact. From his "Over the top" couture creations to his ready-to-wear pieces he kept everyone talking.

In 1973 while attending a party Christian met his future wife, Francoise Rosensthiel. Rosensthiel was a boutique manager who worked in the office of image consultant, Jean Jacques-Picart. Unable to find a job in his field and with the encouragement from Francoise, Lacroix was able to change the direction of his career. He began his career in the fashion industry as a freelance sketcher. He then became an assistant designer working at Hermes. Next, he moved on to work for Guy Paulin as an accessories assistant. It wasn't long before he landed a job as a head designer at the leading French fashion house, Jean Patou. He was responsible for reviving Patou. Christian created many designs that inspired French women. He was also able to develop his signature style. With the release of his 1986 collection for Patou, Lacroix became well known. With all of his success he wanted to create a ready-to-wear line. Not being able to reach an agreement, he soon quit Patou and moved on. With many doors now opened, Christian signed a contract opening his own couture company. By 1987 Lacroix had both ready-to-wear and couture designs for his fashion house. He was free of restrictions and created designs that were "out of the ordinary". He was a true daredevil when it came to his couture pieces. He let his imagination run wild and many companies lined up to sell his work. By the late 1980s, there were many new designers on the rise. They were introducing new creations to the market. Compared to the new styles Christians' designs weren't well received. His ready-to-wear collection did not match up to the new styles. He was still well known but every attempt to be on top; just wasn’t good enough. Lacroix loyal couture customers never left his side and by 1989, Christian launched his jewelry, handbags, shoes, glasses and ties but things were not the same. In 2002 he accepted an offer to serve as the creative Director for the Italian house Emilio Pucci. He worked for the brand for a total of three years and in September 2005 he presented his final collection. With many ups and downs in his career Christian ended his business as a couturier in 2009 and filed for bankruptcy. The house of Lacroix then shut down because there were no buyers. With his commitment to the fashion world he returned two years later and presented a capsule collection for Desigual. In 2013 he returned to the salon to create fifteen couture pieces inspired by innovator Elsa Schiaparelli. For the re-launch of the house of Schiaparelli, Christian was the perfect match for their reopening. The collection was viewed as a celebration to all who was in attendance. They were able to witness Lacroixs true talent shine through in each garment presented. Within the celebration there was also disappointment because it would be his last collection as a designer.

In comparison I think that both designers developed their signature style early. Diane Von Furstenberg designs cater to the everyday woman who wants to look great in her clothes. Christian Lacroix designs for individuals who want to stand out in their clothes. I own pieces from both designers but I can clearly see why Christian Lacroix did not last as long as DVF. When you create clothing that is timeless it will always exist. Lacroix designs were for the moment. It is essential for designers to create pieces that can be worn again and again. In my opinion Lacroix was in a better position creating designs for Haute Couture. His creativity matched the level of experience that is needed to execute couture garments. [pic]
"Work Cited" ▪ Petruso, A. "Christian Lacroix." Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Biography in Context. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

▪ Menkes, Suzy. "Lacroix and 'Schiap'." New York Times 2 July 2013: NA(L). Biography in Context. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

▪ "Christian Lacroix." Contemporary Fashion. Gale, 2002. Biography in Context. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

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