Is Lacroix's Party Over?
French designer Christian Lacroix—beloved by models and celebrities for over two decades—just filed for bankruptcy, potentially ending an era. VIEW OUR GALLERY of his most iconic looks.

Jacques Brinon / AP Photo

Lacroix acknowledges the crowds (on the arm of model Lily Cole) after his Haute Couture presentation in Paris, 2007.
Jacques Brinon / AP Photo

This May, Mary-Kate Olsen chose a metallic, lacy Lacroix as her gown for the fashion event of the year, the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala.
Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Lacroix's designs were often whimsical and popping with color, as seen here as part of the Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore on May 6, 2009.
Stefen Chow / Getty Images

Slumdog Millionaire star Frieda Pinto stepped out in a mustard Lacroix at the Golden Globe Awards in January.
Frazier Harrison / Getty Images

For a time, Lacroix was drawing a lot of inspiration from Spain's bullfights and dancing girls. In his Paris show in January 2009, the look came to fruition with big earrings, big florals, and the classic shapes of flamenco wear.
Christophe Ena / AP Photo

Lacroix has a real knack for making mature women look youthful (not that Helen Mirren needs help). Here, he outfitted the dame for her win at the Oscars in 2007.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Burlesque babe Dita Von Teese has long been a fashion icon and big fan of couture, so she was bound to wear Lacroix at some point. Here, she wears one of his green gowns at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008.
Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

Lacroix gowns, like the one Thandie Newton wore to the BAFTA awards in 2006, often looked much simpler than they were. For example, this lavender gown features elaborate ruching on the sides, and a bow embellishment completes the look.
Dave Hogan / Getty Images

Lacroix also designed a lot of costumes for musicians and other performers. For Madonna's "Re-Invention" tour in 2004, Lacroix made most of the outfits Madge wore, including this jewel-encrusted bustier.
Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

Sigourney Weaver famously shouted out the designer on the red carpet of the Oscars in 1995, when she went in one of his original designs.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage / Getty Images

A young Christian and model Marie pose at the end of a Paris runway in 1988.
Lionel Cironneau / AP Photo

Faye Dunaway wore an iconic Lacroix look in 1987 at a Bergdorf Goodman gala thrown to mark the designer's introduction to New York. Her "fichu" top was made of red silk.
David Mcgough, DMI, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

Lacroix takes a humble bow to the admiring throngs after his spring-summer show in Paris, 2006.
Remy de la Mauviniere / AP Photo
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.