14 DAY TRIAL // The house of Christian Lacroix, although plagued by financial woes throughout most of its 22-year existence, has come to epitomize the very notion of haute couture. They say creations branded Lacroix are more than just fashion, being situated in the realm of pure art. Unfortunately, since recession has made art a commodity most no longer afford or want, Lacroix held its final fashion show in Paris the other day, bidding farewell to the industry for an indeterminate while, as WA Today can confirm.
Lacroix filed for bankruptcy in May this year, while also pleading with the judge to interfere with creditors in its favor in the hope that it could continue production for at least a little while longer to cover some of the debts. It seems that the judge ruled against this, since Lacroix just held its last fashion show before bowing down and saying adieu to the industry.
The show included 24 looks seemingly centered on a funeral theme – but not all was gloom and sadness, the publication says, as the designer himself stated at the end of the event. The “death” would be only temporary because Lacroix plans to return bigger and better once recession is over. “I can’t think this is the end. It’s the beginning of something, I hope.” the famous designer said after the show.
At the same time, he blamed the label’s financial troubles that eventually led to its demise on a “lack of chemistry” between himself and the fashion industry at large. The irony of it all is that, while Lacroix was one of the hottest designers to come out with some of the most coveted haute couture items, he never really managed to sell his work and is reported to have never made a profit for the entire 22-year period of activity. Now that the economy is looking so grim, it is being said that last thing people need is art, which is how Lacroix’s creations have come to be described.
The Paris fashion show, the last Lacroix would make possible in who knows how many months or perhaps years, was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of auxiliary staff and sponsors, as well as other designers. The house only had to pay for the models employed on the catwalk since the rest was done and provided for free. The show also served the purpose of drawing the attention of potential investors to the timeless and truly fabulous creations Lacroix can come up with, with estimates saying that it would take over $80 million to breathe new life into the label.