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Fashion History revisited by Christian Lacroix

Lacroix´s crystallized Haute Couture creations shine amongst treasures from the 18th century

If Christian Lacroix would not have become a famous Haute Couture designer, he would have most probably chosen a career as a museum curator. He has studied art history at Montpellier and at Ecole du Louvre in Paris. Today, after 20 years of creating Haute Couture, Les Arts Décoratifs Museum in Paris has invited the couturier to be both designer and curator.

Christian Lacroix has examined every garment and accessory in the storerooms of Musée de la Mode et du Textile: “I selected the most inspiring pieces, some of which have never been shown, to recount the history of fashion in the best way possible.” Among these archives he discovered stunning garments, such as an entirely beaded and embroidered 1930’s dress by Mainbocher. These designs from the past are mixed with a retrospective of 80 amazing Haute Couture creations from Christian Lacroix, many of which sparkle with crystal stone decorations.

A trend overview from the past with an eye on the future

The exhibition reflects not only Christian Lacroix’s favourite themes and techniques, but also shows perfectly how trends have reappeared consistently from the 18th century to the present. Christian Lacroix has grouped the over 400 garments in trend themes like black and white, color, flowers, patterns and ethnic styles, which creates an interplay of echoes and references between present and past. The viewer, while standing in front of these amazing designs may find it difficult to guess which dress has been made in which era. The never ending surprises make the visit a fashion adventure: Vintage Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Dior, Lanvin, Elsa Schiaparelli and other less known designers from the past – all could be on today’s fashion runways.

Crystal as a recurrent part of different trend themes at Christian Lacroix

While the different trends in the exhibition like check, stripes, polka dots, quilting, tweed and color may come and go, crystal stays as an integral detail to embellish extravagant creations. In the Christain Lacroix Haute Couture gowns, the use of beading and embellishments with sparkling elements have been a must over the past 20 years. In the floral theme, crystals sparkle like blossoms, in the liturgical trend, crucifixes and other religious symbols are stressed by the use of crystal stones, and with the use of color, powerful dresses are enhanced with beautiful Swarovski gems.

Katharina Kowalewski