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 Iconic Jewelled Medieval Cross Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX iconic vintage black long-sleeve top, featuring a bold and ornate cross motif reminiscent of medieval iconography, composed of resin gem-like embellishments in a ri...
Christian Lacroix bustier top by Christian Lacroix Summer 1999
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - 1999 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Christian Lacroix. Pink blended silk bustier top. Size 38FR indicated. Made in Fran...
1980s Christian Lacroix Black Sheer Crochet Lace Vintage 80s One Piece Bodysuit
By Christian Lacroix, Christian Lacroix Paris
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy late 80s CHRSITIAN LACROIX black crochet sheer one piece bodysuit ! Features all over black crochet with fishnet below the waist. Hidden snaps. Can easily be dressed up or down,...
Christian LaCroix Bold Multi-Abstract Stretch Form-Fitting Button Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in New York, NY
Christian LaCroix wonderful whimsical bold multi-color multi-abstract stretch form-fitting button top is accented with soft ruffles along the neckline as well as the sleeve's ...
Christian Lacroix Black Silk Organza Embroidered Sequin Appliqued Blouse
By Christian Lacroix
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christian Lacroix black silk organza embroidered and sequin appliqued blouse. This amazing blouse is a tribute to Lacroix's use of decoration as art. ...
2000s Christian Lacroix Bridal Off-White Floral Satin Strapless Corset Top 40FR
By Christian Lacroix
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 2000s, this Christian Lacroix bridal corset top is crafted from off-white floral satin jacquard. The strapless silhouette features structured vertical paneling and internal ...
See-through stretch lace top CHRISTIAN LACROIX
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
See-through stretch lace top; Fabric composition: 85% nylon, 15% elastane. Zip closure on the middle front with branded zip puller. Branded snap closure on the pocket flap. Split on...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Wired Corset Brocade Ivory White Contrast Bow Strap Bodysuit
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHRISTIAN LACROIX Wired Corset Embossed Brocade Ivory White Contrast Bow Strap Bodysuit Swimsuit Features: - 100% Authentic CHRISTIAN LACROIX. - Ivory white wired corset bod...
Y2k 2000s Christian Lacroix Ribbed Blue Diamonté Logo long sleeve Top - T Shirt
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Sheffield, GB
Y2k, early 2000's Long sleeve shirt by Christian Lacroix in a ribbed blue cotton with a diamonté detailed Logo front. Pit to pit - 16" Shoulder to hem - 24" Pit to Cuff -22" We re...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Iconic Jewelled Medieval Cross Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX iconic vintage black long-sleeve top, featuring a bold and ornate cross motif reminiscent of medieval iconography, composed of resin gem-like embellishments in a ri...
See-through silk organza shirt with flower print on CHRISTIAN LACROIX
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
See-through silk organza shirt with flower print on and gold metal branded button and buttonhole closure on the front . Buckle covered with fabric on the sleeve edge. SIZE 42/44(Fr)...
Vibrant 1990's Christian Lacroix Loud Colourful Pure Silk 1990's Open Blouse
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Sheffield, GB
An opulant 1990's Vintage pure silk open-front chemise by Christian Lacroix, in a beautiful colourful abstract print. Features; short sleeves, Padded shoulders and open front fit. M...
Christian Lacroix Top and Cardigan with Floral Pattern
By Christian Lacroix, Christian Lacroix Paris
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix (Made in Hong Kong) - Set composed of viscose and cotton decorated with feathers and sequins. No composition tag. It fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information:...
Vintage Christian Lacroix Button Down Tunic Dress with Mandarin Collar
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Chic 1990's Vintage Christian Lacroix button down patterned tunic in Pink. Features: Mandarin collar / Central line double row of buttons /...
Christian Lacroix Embroidered Cotton Top
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Embroidered cotton top. Size 38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 37 cm Chest: 40 cm Sleeve length: 45 cm Condition: ...
Christian Lacroix Bazar Pink & Yellow Collage Print Ribbon-Trim Corset Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vivid expression of Christian Lacroix’s theatrical, color-saturated aesthetic, this corset top from the Bazar line showcases the house’s signature fusion of romanticism and graphic...
Christian Lacroix bustier top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Black and red bustier top. A 2003 Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 33 cm - Length: 40 cm SKU:FH315
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Lacroix Colorful Floral Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in New Hope, PA
Christian Lacroix uses a vibrant green background to show off the black and yellow floral design on this pullover top. The top has a boatneck, 3/4 sleeves and is hip length. It is ...
Long sleeve tee-shirt in printed stretch tulle Christian Lacroix Jeans
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve tee-shirt in printed stretch tulle . Fabric composition: 100% polyamide. Black stretch tulle lining on the front to avoid transparency. SIZE S
Christian Lacroix 1990s Women's Strapless Black Sequin Top Size Small
By Christian Lacroix
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This exquisite strapless black top by Christian Lacroix captures the designer’s signature blend of elegance and theatrical flair. Expertly tailored, the piece features a sleek, fitte...
Christian Lacroix three-piece set
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Black, white, and red tone set composed of two bras and a thong. Size labels missing, it fits 85B // 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
$485Sale Price|30% Off
Christian Lacroix Multicoloured Silk Shirt
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Capri, IT
Christian Lacroix Multicoloured Silk Shirt Multicoloure shirt by Lacroix with patterns on both shoulders Totally made in france in size 44 composition: silk MeasurementS: shoulder t...
1993 Christian Lacroix Brown and Gold Corset Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in London, GB
Fashion designer Christian Lacroix established his own Parisian couture house in 1985 to instant acclaim. This corset style top was part of the spring 1993 ready to wear collection a...
Christian Lacroix set
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - Black wool set composed of a top and a cardigan, embroidered with pompoms, pearls, and sequins. Size XL indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Ca...
Christian Lacroix Blended Wool Long-sleeved Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Blended wool long-sleeved top with black lace and embroidered with sequins ans pearls. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR. Additional information...
Christian Lacroix Silk Floral Print Sleeveless Top
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Christian Lacroix Silk Floral Print Sleeveless Top is a stunning statement piece that effortlessly combines elegance and artistic flair. Crafted from luxurious silk, it features a vi...
Christian Lacroix cardigan
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - Long black wool cardigan ornamented with multicolored ribbons and threads. It comes with a scarf. Size XL indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: ...
Christian Lacroix embroidered sweater
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in Hong Kong) Black wool sweater sewn with pearls and colorful pompoms. Size XL. It comes with a scarf. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulde...
Christian Lacroix Embroidered Top in Black Cotton, 1993
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Top in black cotton embroidered with multicolored flower patterns. Size 40FR. Spring-Summer 1993 Collection. To be noted, the black cotton is mar...
Mint Jeans De Christian Lacroix T-shirt
By Christian Lacroix
Located in London, GB
A mint coloured Jean de Christian Lacroix t-shirt with ‘Jeans Lacroix’ flocked print over a semi-sheer mesh cut out in a stylised pattern. This T-shirt is slim fit and features the ‘Jeans de Christian...
Red tunique with gold metal broches Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red tunique with gold metal broches
Long sleeve leopard printed tee-shirt with velvet and jersey Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve leopard printed tee-shirt with velvet and shiny jersey inset in the sleeve. One button and buttonhole on the top middle back. SIZE 42 (Fr) o...
White jersey tee-shirt with ribbons and passementerie appliqué Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White jersey tee-shirt with ribbons, tulle , beads and passementerie appliqué. SIZE M
Vintage CHRISTIAN LACROIX Tattoo Effect Long Sleeves Shirt Top Sweater
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHRISTIAN LACROIX Tattoo Effect Long Sleeves Shirt Top Sweater Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shou...
$235Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Lacroix Elegant Red Silk Satin Shirt
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Milano, IT
Flashy red dress shirt designed by the great stylist Christian Lacroix in the 1980s. Fine Italian manufacture. The blouse is very elegant and is completely made of bright red silk sa...