Christian Lacroix, a name synonymous with opulence and theatrical flair, launched his eponymous haute couture house in 1987. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of cultures, his early designs were a vivid blend of historical costumes, folklore, and global fashion traditions. Lacroix quickly gained acclaim for his bold and imaginative creations, including the iconic puffball skirt, rose prints, and daring low décolleté necklines. His love for the hot colors of the Mediterranean and experimental fabrics defined his collections, setting him apart as a designer who could seamlessly blend fantasy with high fashion.

The late 1980s saw Lacroix expanding his brand beyond haute couture. By 1989, he had ventured into ready-to-wear, jewelry, handbags, shoes, glasses, scarves, and ties, opening boutiques in major cities like Paris, London, Geneva, and Tokyo. Despite this rapid expansion and the high regard for his creative designs, the brand struggled financially. By the time it was purchased by Falic Fashion Group in 2005, the house had accumulated significant losses. Yet, Lacroix’s commitment to his craft never wavered, as he continued to produce collections that captivated fashion enthusiasts around the world.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Lacroix continued to innovate, launching various lines that included jeans, home decor, and children’s wear. His designs remained vibrant and eclectic, a testament to his enduring vision. Even as the brand faced financial challenges, Lacroix’s influence in the fashion world persisted, with his work extending to theatrical costume design and collaborations with brands like Air France and Desigual. Today, Christian Lacroix’s legacy lives on through his distinctive designs and numerous points of sale worldwide, celebrating a fashion journey that is as dramatic and colorful as his creations.

How to tell if Christian Lacroix is vintage from the logo

Christian Lacroix has undergone several changes in its logo design, reflecting the brand’s evolution over the decades. While maintaining a sophisticated and recognizable aesthetic, the modifications in the logo can help determine the vintage of Christian Lacroix items. Here’s a breakdown of the logos used in different eras to assist in identifying vintage Christian Lacroix pieces.

1980s to now Christian Lacroix logo

• The original Christian Lacroix logo featured a classic serif font, simply stating the brand name “Christian Lacroix.”
• This logo is elegant and straightforward, with no additional embellishments or symbols, focusing solely on the brand name.
• It reflects the brand’s early years and its emphasis on haute couture and luxury fashion.

1980s to now Christian Lacroix logo

1980s to now Christian Lacroix logo

• In later years, the Christian Lacroix logo was updated to include an emblem along with the brand name.
• The emblem, featuring an intricate “CL” monogram, is positioned above the brand name “by Christian Lacroix.”
• This design is more ornate, indicating a period where the brand expanded its identity and product lines.
• The font of “Christian Lacroix” remains the same, maintaining the classic serif style, while the emblem adds a touch of sophistication and heritage.

1980s to now Christian Lacroix logo

How to tell if Christian Lacroix is vintage from the tags

Christian Lacroix has undergone various changes in branding and tag design over the decades. The evolution of these tags reflects shifts in fashion trends and the brand’s own innovative spirit. From the bold and luxurious tags of the 1980s to the more varied and contemporary designs of the 2000s, each era’s tags offer clues to identifying vintage Christian Lacroix garments.

Can’t read your tags? Visit our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you identify those vintage labels!

1980s vintage Christian Lacroix tags

• Often features bright, bold colors such as pink with black serif lettering.
• Includes “Made in France” text on the side.
• Prominently displays “Christian Lacroix” with “PARIS” underneath.

1980s Christian Lacroix tags

1990s vintage Christian Lacroix tags

• Continues to use bold colors but includes more variations, such as blue for the Jeans line.
• Introduction of different lines like “Jeans de Christian Lacroix” and “Bazar.”
• Tags often have additional descriptors like “Made in Italy” for specific lines.
• Maintains the use of serif fonts and bold lettering.

1990s Christian Lacroix tags

2000s vintage Christian Lacroix tags

• Incorporates modern design elements while retaining the classic logo.
• More use of darker and more varied backgrounds, such as black for “Homme” line.
• Introduction of new lines and styles, like “Christian Lacroix Bazar.”
• Tags can include additional information like size indicators on a separate tag.

2000s Christian Lacroix tags