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 Brown Croc-Embossed Frame Handbag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage structured frame handbag in glossy brown croc-embossed finish. This vintage Christian Lacroix handbag beautifully reflects the exuberant glamour and theatr...
Christian Lacroix 1990s Vintage Leather Shoulder Bag with Signature Heart Appliq
By Christian Lacroix
Located in NICE, FR
Nice.vintage.darling presents: A rare and highly collectible 1990s Christian Lacroix shoulder bag, crafted in luxurious leather and featuring the designer’s iconic heart appliqué — a...
Linen canevas and leather appliqué large top handle bag Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Linen canevas and leather appliqué large top handle bag. Branded nylon lining. Zip closure on the top front + snaps on both edge. 2 inside pocket with zip and 2 flat pocket. Gold met...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Ornate Handbag in Black Patent Leather and Gold Satin
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage black patent leather and yellow/gold satin handbag featuring intricate cut‑out baroque motifs. This bag features: - Laser‑cut ornamental motifs in black pa...
Top handle bag in denim and leather with flap embroideries Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Top handle bag in denim and leather with flap embroideries . Grey nylon lining. Snap closure in the middle front ( under the flap) Numbered : G0082 SIZE 35 cm X 17 cm X 5 cm Strap...
Green fabric handle bag with crocodile pattern Christian Lacroix BAZAR
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Green fabric ( probably rayon ) handle bag with crocodile pattern. Branded wood handle + gold metal chain and eyelet. Black plastic lining and one pocket with zip closure inside. S...
Burgundy suede back-pack bag with front pocket Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Burgundy suede back-pack bag with front pocket . Faux suede yellow lining inside. One pocket with zip inside. Adjustable shoulder strap. Gold metal decorative buckle with snap closur...
Christian Lacroix, silk and patent leather bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Christian Lacroix, silk and patent leather bag with black patent leather heart and cross details . This Vintage, iconic and limited edition purse is crafted in black silk and patent ...
Blue leather handle bag with printed front Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue leather handle bag with printed front and second long cross-body strap. Snap closure in the middle front and zip closure under the flat. 3 flats pocket...
Christian Lacroix Vintage Studded Black Leather Gothic Inspired Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage black leather Gothic inspired top handle bag embellised with gold toned studs featuring a cross. This bag features : - Black...
Vintage CHRISTIAN LACROIX Logo Sun Green Leather Top Handle Rigid Bag
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHRISTIAN LACROIX Logo Sun Green Leather Top Handle Rigid Bag Measurements: Height: 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) Width: 6.69 inches (17 cm) Depth: 3.15 inches (8 cm) Strap: 16.14 i...
Christian Lacroix bag 'pumpkin'
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Hobnailed orange canvas bag with black inside-out leather, representing a pumpkin. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 20 cm - Width:...
$434Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Lacroix hexagon black velvet and satin handle bag
By Christian Lacroix, Christian Lacroix Paris
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Christian Lacroix black velvet and satin handle bag. - Hexagon shape. - Featuring signature Christian Lacroix gold toned hardware prints. - Satin based. - Satin...
Lemon and star satin evening bag Christian Lacroix BAZAR New with tag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Lemon and star satin evening bag with sequin embellishment. Snap closure under the top flap. SIZE : 23cm X 15cm X 3cm Strap lenght : 53cm
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Gold Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier Gold Hardware. This Kelly Sellier bag in the color Gold is made of durable Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware. A lock...
Vintage Bottega Veneta Black Leather Red Plexiglass Clutch Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Boca Raton, FL
-Rare 1990s Bottega Veneta clutch crafted from the house’s signature Intrecciato woven lambskin in classic black — soft, tactile, and beautifully constructed -Framed in sculptural r...
Lady Dior Mini Black Silk with Crystals Silver Hardware
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This mini handbag, made of high-quality black cloth with iconic micro-cannage stitching, is a stylish and elegant accessory for your wardrobe. It is adorned with contrasting light go...
Chanel Printed Canvas Bag in White Leather Linning
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel (Made in Italy) Big bag made of a printed canvas fabric. White leather linning. Serial number 1346224. Additional information: Dimensions: Widh: 35 cm (13.78 in), Depth: ...
Hermes Birkin Cargo Toile Goeland Sesame 35 Bag Swift Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cargo Birkin 35 bag featured in golden Sesame. This Hermes limited edition utility Birkin bag is created with Goeland canvas a...
Lambertson Truex Tan Baby Crocodile Handbag
By Lambertson Truex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lambertson Truex Tan Baby Crocodile Handbag. The actual color is lighter than the images and is more tan or light caramel.. Three inner pockets with a smaller zip pocket in the middl...
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag The pouch-form bag with a reeded gold toned border, with red and black enamel set clasp, with a gold toned metal chain, the parcel snakeskin an...
Gucci Sac Bamboo 1947 Large circa 1990 Couture Black Leather Handbag Extra Strap
By Gucci
Located in PARIS, FR
Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag in smooth black leather and gold-tone hardware, circa 1990. The interior (exceptional) is the "Couture" style (revisited by...
Walborg Unusual Copper Clad and Lucite Bag
By Walborg
Located in New York, NY
Unusual hard bag by Walborg of martele burnt orange lucite hand "clad" with copper Art and Crafts patterns. Extremely strange and ugly in a 70's mash up way, almost like a light fixt...
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Top Handle Bag Leather Small Camel with Strap
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Top Handle Bag Leather Small Camel with Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered This Gucci crossbody bag has the signature oval design with ...
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Small Black Grained Leather Top Handle Bag
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Top Handle Bag Leather Small Black These are professional photos of the actual bag offered This Gucci crossbody bag has the signature oval design with the bamboo ...
Dolce & Gabbana Vintage Y2K Eel Leather Bag Anni2000
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic vintage Dolce & Gabbana bag from the early 2000s, made of precious deep burgundy eel leather with spectacular natural hues and characteristic striped texture typical of this r...
Christian Lacroix bag by Christian Lacroix Fall 1988
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - 1988 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Christian Lacroix. Golden lamb leather bag ornamented with matching shiny resin and different-size mu...
Christian Lacroix fur bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Tiny mink and black satin evening bag sewn with black pearls. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 16 cm - Width: 25 cm - Depth: ...
Christian Lacroix fur bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Tiny mink and black satin evening bag sewn with black pearls. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 16 cm - Width: 25 cm - Depth: ...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Black Pebble Grain Leather Tote Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in San Francisco, CA
CHRISTIAN LACROIX bag in a black pebble grain leather featuring checker patterned front pocket, top handles, removable adjustable shoulder strap,...
1995s Christian Lacroix Clutch Minaudiere Leather Black
By Christian Lacroix
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Lacroix clutch circa 1995 in smooth and supple black leather, interior in buttercup yellow satin canvas, closed with a snap under th...
Christian Lacroix Pink Silk Bag
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Pink silk bag with golden metal elements. To be mentioned, a few slight scratches. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 25 cm - ...
Christian Lacroix Black Silk, Gold Metal and Rhinestone Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Black silk, gold metal and rhinestone bag. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 23 cm, Height: 20 cm, Depth: 7 cm, Handle: 30 cm Condition: Good conditio...
Christian Lacroix Patchwork Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Satin bag with jewel gilded metal handles. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 22 cm (8.66 in), Width: 6cm (2.36 in), Handle: 32 cm (12.6 in) Condition:...
Christian Lacroix Wicker Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix (Made in Italy) Bag composed of white leather and wicker. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 29 cm (11.41"), Height: 20 cm (7.87"), Depth: 12 cm (4.72"), ...
Christian Lacroix Pink Satin Clutch Bag
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in Italy) Pink satin clutch decorated with a rhinestone jewel. Inside in fabric. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 24 cm, Height: 11 cm, Depth:...
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H 10.24 in Dm 6.3 in
Purse bag in red and black leather with gold metal cabochon Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purse bag in red and black leather with gold metal cabochon embellishement. ONe flat pocket inside. Silky gros-grain lining. Dust-bag provide
Black leather evening bag with silver metallic chain C.L by Christian Lacroix
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather evening bag with silver metallic chain. The chain can be detachable. The lenght is= 83 cm .Flower printed fabric lining. 2 pock...