Saturday, January 7: A highlight of the “Cannes Shopping Festival” was the marked presence of Christian Lacroix on the stage of the Louis-Lumière auditorium. It must be said that this fashion show, which was set to reveal his Spring-Summer 2006 collection, was highly anticipated and coveted by fashion addicts, judging by the number of people who proudly climbed the world’s most famous stairs.
Passionate about art, Christian Lacroix should have become a museum curator, but an encounter with Jean-Jacques Picart (a public relations representative for numerous luxury houses) steered him towards haute couture. In 2007, the House of Christian Lacroix will celebrate its 20th anniversary. For 20 years, this renowned designer has presented us with creations featuring insane mixes, inspired by the blending of cultures. From ready-to-wear to accessories, table arts, perfumes, jewelry, and even Air France uniforms—nothing escapes the art of Christian Lacroix, especially not the famous pop star, Madonna, for whom he specially designed an outfit for her 2004 tour. Yes, Christian Lacroix also dabbles in creating stage costumes (Carmen, Phèdre…). “Mediterranean, curious, contemporary, Christian Lacroix is truly of his era, looking back at the past with tenderness and admiration, devouring the present from both ends, and imagining the future with a kaleidoscopic spirit.”
Weaving, blending, and colors are key words to describe his collections, and those who attended his first ready-to-wear collection under the banner of the Falic group, his new financier, on Saturday, will not contradict me if I write in this article that Christian Lacroix has remained true to himself.
To describe his new haute couture line in one sentence, we would say it is “a wonderful collection on the trails of a dreamed Mediterranean.” With a relaxed style, both female and male models walked the runway at the Palais des Festivals “flat-footed.” Flourishing Indian fabrics, plaid linen, Provençal prints, African wax, or traditional silk: a 30-minute journey while sitting in a comfortable chair, a dream of escape! Soft blue, yellow, ochre sand, coral, lime green… Soft and light colors inspiring a very beautiful harmony. A Spring-Summer collection synonymous with luxury in simplicity!
Ah, ladies and gentlemen, I forgot to tell you: if you want to be “in” the Christian Lacroix way this spring, wear a scarf!
Tomorrow a new collection will be featured, that of a very promising Azurean designer: JIKI.
