Christian Lacroix

Born in France in 1951, Christian Lacroix studied History of Art with plans to become a museum curator or costume designer and fell into fashion by chance. Lacroix was an assistant at Hermes, collaborated with the couturier of the Tokyo Imperial Court, and then joined the House of Patou in 1981, where he learned the intricacies of Haute Couture. He went on to launch the Christian Lacroix House in 1987 and was appointed Artistic Director of the Italian fashion house Pucci from 2002 to 2005.

Lacroix, well known for defining the look of the 1980s, combining bright colours and extravagant embellishment, has also designed costumes for numerous stage productions, including a corset for Madonna's 2004 'Re-Invention World Tour'. His passion for theatre, opera and art have provided inspiration for many of his collections.

Lacroix's 2006/7 Autumn/Winter collection, inspired by the Renaissance, combines the opulent fabrics, colours and ornamental embroidery of that period with contemporary shapes, such as trench-coats and mini-dresses, to create a look that is glamorous and dramatic. The catwalk shows took place in the V&A's splendid Raphael Gallery displaying paintings by the Renaissance master and provided visitors with a unique opportunity to see Lacroix's theatrical new collection within this historical setting.