I Love You, Christian Lacroix

As we just discussed, vintage is so fitting on Valentine’s Day. I love vintage pearls, old-fashioned rhinestones and sparkly costume jewelry from other eras, all of which look appropriate on Valentine’s and all of which you can find at your local thrift or antiques store. But quite frankly, there is one man who completely stole *my* heart with *his* irreverent hearts. I love you, Christian Lacroix.

Christian Lacroix is a prolific French couturier who established the Lacroix fashion house in 1987 and remains active today. His garments and accessories are nothing short of sublime. They evoke the coquetry of Paris. With playful mixes of prints and joyous clashing colors, textured tights, darling hats and flirtatious silhouettes, Lacroix and his timeless designs make every female feel like a girl again, but there’s no mistaking that she’s a woman.  There is something commanding about a Lacroix ensemble.

Take a look at the designer, above, with a model dressed head to toe in CL. Embellished with flowers, the hat is an adorable striped confection while the bustled dress, yes–bustled dress–is all dots. I mean, how often do you see this type of dressing? A short dress with a bustle? Fab. The model wears black tights. It’s quintessentially French, a flawless presentation! Lacroix approaches his designs and female dressing in a unique way. It’s at once playful, fun and irreverent, yet sophisticated and totally glam.

His creations, such as the ‘pouf’ skirt, above, were worn by the most stylish celebs in the 1980s, like Madonna and Uma Thurman, and his collections have traveled the world. Their international influence in fashion is undeniable.

While in high school I watched in awe on Elsa Klensch’s ‘Style’ program as models paraded down the catwalk wearing Lacroix’s buoyant bubble skirts. I actually fashioned one myself out of a vintage dress with the help of my nana and wore it for the homecoming celebration at my school. Needless to say, it was quite unusual. The vintage dress was a copper, water-stained tafetta dress from the ’60s, flocked with tiny, black velvet polka dots. I still have that dress today and it’s as appropriate now as it was then, and ‘sew’ seemingly Lacroix! Jajaja.

And although I do own a few pieces of authentic Lacroix myself–a pair of magnificent drop earrings, a military coat, a satin dress and a flouncy skirt–I would *love* to have more, more, more! The workmanship, the quality is unsurpassed.

Currently lusting after his jewelry. Just look at Lacroix’s vision of the heart brooch, above. I think I’m in love. This pin is not vintage, but it certainly looks it. It’s pre-owned couture jewelry, created in the early 2000s and features a Baroque heart shape with a dangling charm. The gilded metal framing is all carved and textured, topped with metallic bronze seed rhinestones and a large oval faceted rhinestone in the center.

Signed on its underbelly with the Christian Lacroix logo, this brooch is begging to be pinned on a little French beret, or worn around the neck as a choker on a velvet ribbon. Put it on the lapel of a feminine suit or coat, or adorn the perfect scarf! There is so much you can do with this piece. It’s definitely couture jewelry at its finest. Just a word of caution, however, before you get *your* heart set on *this* heart: this little pre-owned piece of couture comes with a sizeable $500 price tag! They don’t call it Baroque for nothing…..Get it? Broke?

Likewise with the Christian Lacroix rhinestone gold plated cuff, circa 1990s, above. You’ll pay handsomely for this handsome piece. For $1,650, you too can shine like a diamond! It makes a formidable statement featuring clear rhinestones embedded into a large, textured, brutalist-style form with a cut-out motif of a heart on top. Love is in the details. Signed “Christian Lacroix Made in France” on its interior, this cuff weighs in at an impressive five ounces. A stunning piece from the ’90s runway!

If you want my advice, look for Lacroix, the visionary couturier whose garments and accessories are soaring in price online now. They are definitely very collectible and are only going up in price. Check eBay, Chairish, Poshmark, Etsy and 1stdibs.com to capture his hearts. They are each one unmistakably Lacroix: gorgeous, totally unique and nothing short of inspired! Merci, Christian. Merci beaucoup and je t’aime. Thank you so much and I love you.

Ciao for now, from your favorite fashionista!