Christian Lacroix's creations were the epitome of opulence, glamour and sophistication during his reign as one of the kings of couture during the 1980's.
The French couturier's unique point of view must be credited as a significant inspiration to us here at Love and Object - his jewellery collections were effervescent and fantastical, designed for women with a sense of fun.

Katoucha Niane, walking for Christian Lacroix Spring 1993.
One of only two fashion brands to have ever been conceived from scratch by luxury conglomerate LVMH (the other being FENTY, just this year), Christian Lacroix was founded in Paris in April 1987, by the artesian couturier, his press agent, Jean-Jacques Picard and Bernard Arnaut, now LVMH chair.
After studying art history, Lacroix originally worked towards becoming a museum curator, however after a stint at Hermes Paris, it was clear his talent lay in design.

The now infamous first Vogue cover by Anna Wintour; Christian Lacroix, at home in Paris, late 1980s.
With such a unique point of view in his eccentric, elaborate designs (much attributed to his earlier studies), it didn't take long for Lacroix to find success - just one year after launch, his 1988 black velvet, crystal-adorned haute couture jacket was styled with a simple pair of jeans by Anna Wintour for her now-infamous debut cover of Vogue USA (pictured above), making Lacroix the it-brand of the decade overnight.
Throughout the 1990s, Christian Lacroix continued in upward trajectory, broadening from haute couture to homeware, until he left company in late 2009 - just a few years after it was sold by LVMH to The Falic Brothers, sadly, at a loss.

Christy Turlington for Christian Lacroix, 1994; Anna Getaneh for Christian Lacroix, 1992.
A star that shone twice as bright ultimately burned out too soon, due to the ongoing discrepancy between Lacroix's spectacular visions and the cost of production - the house never made a profit throughout his entire time at the helm of artistic direction.
A designer who truly did it for the love rather than financial gain, Lacroix's pure passion for thee craft has made his ultra rare creations all the more covetable in the years since he stepped down.

Christy Turlington for Lacroix in 1993, our Christian Lacroix Elsa Earrings, $729 available here.
As jewellery production during his reign spanned such a short time, we feel extremely lucky to have our hands on two stunning pieces within our new vintage edit, The Collector's Edition.
Read more about our Christian Lacroix Elsa Earrings, pictured above, and keep an eye out for an exquisite necklace launching later this month.
Created during the early years, these decadent, organic shaped drop earrings are encrusted in stones and crystals - a truly unique design for the astute vintage jewellery lover.

Carla Bruni backstage at Christian Lacroix couture, 1995; Christy Turlington walks the runway at the Christian Lacroix RTW SS/ 1993-1994 in Paris.
More than 30 years on, Lacroix's enduring style still holds significant influence today; being able to share these stunning pieces of fashion history with you makes what we do all the more worthwhile.
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