Lacroix, Christian

(1951- )

   Born in Arles, France, Lacroix never studied fashion; rather he pursued a degree in art history at the Sorbonne. He began his career as a design assistant in accessories for the house of Hermès in 1978. In 1982, he moved to the house of Jean Patou after a female friend "won over" the Patou president, Jean de Mouy, with a private showing of several of Lacroix's samples. Lacroix opened his own house in 1987 with the financial backing of Bernard Arnault of Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Lacroix made the pouf skirt a must-have item of the 1980s. In 2002, Lacroix became artistic director of the house of Emilio Pucci. In 2005, Lacroix designed flight attendant uniforms for Air France. An admirer of Claire McCardell, Lacroix, who is known never to shy away from fashion statements, is a calm, quiet man who is often observed traveling on the metro wearing chinos and tennis shoes.