Sandra‘s Closet

Tiffany & Co. announced today that powerhouse couple Beyoncé and JAY-Z will star in its latest campaign celebrating modern love. This is how LVMH is bringing its playbook to its largest-ever acquisition and the advantages and challenges of marketing brands rooted in the 19th century in today’s world.

Synonymous with the world’s greatest love stories since 1837, Tiffany’s debut of «ABOUT LOVE» marks the latest evolution of the luxury jeweler’s new creative direction. The campaign is the result of a close collaboration and a shared vision between both the Carters and Tiffany & Co.

«Beyoncé and JAY-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values. We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.» —Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product & Communications

As the first time the couple has appeared in a campaign together, «ABOUT LOVE» is an exploration of connection and vulnerability. The Carters’ love story is illuminated by the iconic Tiffany Diamond and set against the backdrop of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Equals Pi (1982).*

As part of a private collection from its creation until now, this campaign marks the work of art’s first public appearance, propelling Tiffany’s long-standing tradition of working with New York creatives forward. Ushering in a new brand identity, this campaign embodies the beauty of love through time and all its diverse facets, forging a new vision of love today.

Worn in a campaign for the first time in history, the Tiffany Diamond weighs 128.54 carats and boasts an unprecedented 82 facets. Seen on Beyoncé throughout “ABOUT LOVE,” it is considered among the most important gemstone discoveries of the 19th century. Unearthed in 1877 in the Kimberley Mines of South Africa, founder Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the rough diamond in 1878, solidifying the brand’s reputation as a diamond authority. House icons including designs from Jean Schlumberger and the Tiffany T collection are also featured throughout. Most notably, JAY-Z wears Jean Schlumberger’s legendary Bird on a Rock brooch, reconstructed as a pair of one-of-a-kind cuff links. Jean Schlumberger was best known for dressing high society’s elite in the 1960s and ’70s, so it is appropriate that his unmistakable designs live out his legacy on one of today’s greatest creative forces.

A film by acclaimed director Emmanuel Adjei has also been created and features a musical
performance of the classic song «Moon River.» Made famous in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the iconic tune is reimagined with vocals by Beyoncé, captured by JAY-Z on a Super 8 camera. The couple selected the Orum House in Los Angeles to serve as the setting for the film, in which nostalgic flashbacks are interwoven with cinematic, dreamlike visuals. Basquiat’s Equals Pi appears once again as a common Tiffany Blue® thread throughout the narrative. The accompanying «ABOUT LOVE» print campaign was shot by Mason Poole and styled by June Ambrose and Marni Senofonte.

«ABOUT LOVE» reflects Tiffany’s continued support of underrepresented communities. As a part of
the house’s partnership with the Carters, Tiffany & Co. is proud to pledge a USD $2 million
commitment towards scholarship and internship programs for Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs). Additional details on this initiative are forthcoming.
«ABOUT LOVE» launches globally in print on September 2. The accompanying film will launch on
Tiffany.com September 15 and will be amplified through global media activations. The campaign will further unfold later this year with additional films created by acclaimed director Dikayl Rimmasch and second unit director, Derek Milton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tiffany & Co. – @TIFFANYANDCO
*Partnership done in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing high-profile artists, photographers, designers and creatives.

This Easter, I went on a special egg hunt and found an amazing treasure, a beautiful new watch at the newly opened TAG Heuer boutique in Zurich. Located on the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, it is the fourth flagship store in its home country of Switzerland, complementing its existing Geneva, Zermatt and Lucerne point of sales.

Launched in 1860, in Saint-Imier at the very heart of the birthplace of watchmaking, by a bold young named Edouard Heuer, it is owned since 1999 by French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. The name TAG Heuer combines the initials of «Techniques d’Avant Garde» and the founder’s surname.

Capturing TAG Heuer’s motto, originally introduced in 1991, «Don’t Crack Under Pressure», are prominent partnerships and brand ambassadors that express the brand’s passion for action and high performance, among them actors Chris Hemsworth and Patrick Dempsey, ATP next-generation tennis players Alex de Minaur, Frances Tiafoe, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger Aliassime, and big wave surfer Kai Lenny. They are athletes, surfers, actors, pilots. Whatever the conditions, they want to make history and break records. No matter the pressure, the public and adversity, they never give up, they never back down from any challenge. Therefore you can imagine my excitement to be also a TAG Heuer ambassador, as I breathe the same energy. I never give up, I never let myself down. If I have a vision, I go for it, no matter what!

So which watch did I choose you might ask? You will be amazed. It’s not a ladies watch, not a diamond watch. I went for this amazing masculine Carrera Automatic Chronograph that sets a blistering new pace in prestige timekeeping in sumptuously chic black and rose gold. Housed in a 44-mm steel polished, fine brushed case, the legendary Calibre HEUER02 Automatic movement now comes outfitted with splendid finery. Sober yet stellar, 18K 5N rose gold accents the entire timepiece, from hands and indexes to the watch’s crowns and push-pieces.

The black brushed dial sits under a sapphire crystal dome, locked in with a ceramic black tachymeter fixed bezel. Inside, the manufacture Heuer 02 movement made with a vertical clutch and column wheel – signatures of improved chronograph timekeeping and high-quality manufacture movements – will last 80 hours with an impressive power reserve. The sporty yet elegant design is highlighted by a black alligator strap and steel folding clasp, exuding strength and speed.

The Carrera model has a beautiful story. In 1962, CEO at the time Jack Heuer, the great-grandchild of Edouard Heuer, wanted a clean and well-proportioned chronograph designed for drivers and inspired to the world of motor racing. When he heard the Spanish word «Carrera», used for the renowned Carrera Panamericana race, he loved the sound and the multiple meanings – including road, race, course and career – so much that he quickly decided that the product had to be called «Carrera». The Heuer Carrera was launched in 1963 and since then it has been a symbol of the brand and one of the most popular sport chronographs ever designed.

I personally love that this 44-mm case adopts well to my small wrist. It symbolizes strength, power and diversity for me. I see myself wearing it with a romantic floral dress as well as a business suit. Stay tuned for many unexpected combinations, for this certain twist, for this «je ne sais quoi» attitude that makes the difference. But don’t feel pressure, or at least don’t crack under it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. 

Last Thursday, I had an interesting zoom event with BoF Professional LIVE about unpacking the LVMH-Tiffany saga. The largest acquisition in the history of the luxury goods sector had collapsed, setting up what could be the industry’s biggest M&A battle of all time. Experts to laid out what could happen next and they were pretty right. Robert Williams, Europe Correspondent BoF; Brian Quinn, Law Department Professor, Boston College; Oliver Chen, Managing Director & Senior Equity Research Analyst, Cowen and Company; and Lauren Sherman discussed all possibilities. Interesting to know is that LVMH is part of a group of investors who, together, hold a minority interest in BoF. However, all investors have signed shareholders’ documentation guaranteeing complete editorial independence.

Such an interesting talk last week at BoF

Coming back to the luxury deal of the century. Jewelry is still a fruitful space to look for. It makes sense that LVMH wants to expand in this sector. Tiffany, that has no family shareholders, which is another advantage, is strong in the bridal sector and in China, watches are about 3%. There a lot of strategic synergies between the companies. It was unlikely that LVMH wanted to go to court where you have to be very transparent about your business. It was more likely a strategic move to get a good price, something Bernard Arnault, who built his fortune on acquiring companies, appreciates. It was the first time he wanted to get out of a deal, which could have hurt his reputation as a savvy buyer.

Today, both parties announced that they have concluded an agreement modifying certain terms of their initial agreement (the «Merger Agreement») to reflect a purchase price of $131.50 in cash and to reduce closing conditionality. Other key terms of the Merger Agreement remain unchanged. Tiffany and LVMH have also agreed to settle their pending litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court. This ends weeks of corporate fighting and saves the French luxury conglomerate over $400 million on the original price of $16.2 billion agreed before the worldwide pandemic hit. The deal is now set to close early next year, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tiffany, commented. «We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with LVMH at an attractive price and to now be able to proceed with the merger. The Board concluded it was in the best interests of all of our stakeholders to achieve certainty of closing.»

Bernard Arnault, President and CEO of LVMH, commented: «This balanced agreement with Tiffany’s Board allows LVMH to work on the Tiffany acquisition with confidence and resume discussions with Tiffany’s management on the integration details. We are as convinced as ever of the formidable potential of the Tiffany brand and believe that LVMH is the right home for Tiffany and its employees during this exciting next chapter.»

Congrats to the newly weds!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LVMH / Tiffany

During Paris Fashion Week, the fashion industry has been mourning the loss of French-Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, who died yesterday at the age of 81 from complications from COVID-19 in a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris.

«It is with immense sadness that KENZO has learned of the passing of our founder,» the fashion house said in a statement. «For half a century, Mr Takada has been an emblematic personality in the fashion industry — always infusing creativity and color into the world.»

KENZO S/S 2021 with designer Felipe Oliveira Beptista in the middle

It was only days ago that the Kenzo fashion house unveiled its bee-themed collection for S/S 2021. «His amazing energy, kindness and talent and smile were contagious,» said KENZO’s artistic director, Felipe Oliveira Beptista, who released the new range to us fashion editors. «His kindred spirit will live forever.»

The Kenzo F/W 1982 collection was a huge inspiration for the Kenzo x H&M collaboration.

Kenzo Takada brought Japanese fashion to the world, he planned to stay in Paris for six months but stayed 56 years. Born in 1939, he grew up with six siblings near the Japanese city of Himeji where his parents owned a hotel. His love for fashion developed at an early age, particularly through reading his sisters’ magazines. He studied at Tokyo’s Bunka College of Fashion, which had then just opened its doors to male students. After that he had a brief stint working in Japan before relocating to France in 1965.

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, tweeted that the city was «morning one of its sons,» saying the designer had given space to color and light in fashion.

KENZO collections from the ’80s and early ’90s

When I think of KENZO, I think of happy fashion with his colorful graphic and floral prints, jungle-infused designs and free-spirited aesthetic that channeled global travel. He was hugely popular, both for his high fashion and luxury day-to-day streetwear.

KENZO street style hype in 2012

The designer sold his brand to LVMH back in 1993 and stepped away from the brand 6 years later to pursue a career in art. «Kenzo Takada has, from the 1970s, infused into fashion a tone of poetic lightness and sweet freedom which inspired many designers after him,» said LVMH chief, Bernard Arnault.

«My work was always about freedom and harmony,» Kenzo Takada once said. «I’d like to be remembered as a designer who crossed boundaries.» Rest in Peace – you will surely be remembered like this!

LoL, Sandra

Sporting KENZO in 2016, click here for the outfit post.

Photos: © KENZO and © Sandra Bauknecht

In November 2019, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. For the previous post, click here please.

Yesterday, after months of speculation, LVMH has called off its planned mega-merger with the American jeweler. The result? Tiffany sinks 11% and is now suing the French luxury conglomerate to keep the acquisition on track. The jewelry giant alleged LVMH sought to leverage US social justice protests and the coronavirus pandemic to «avoid paying the agreed price for Tiffany shares.»

LVMH explained that the deal’s contract set a November 24 deadline, and that requests from Tiffany and the French government to delay the deal led to its pulling out. In return, Tiffany accused LVMH of not doing its part to win approval of the deal from antitrust authorities.

Tiffany’s famous 5th Avenue store in New York City

More details can be found in LVMH’s press release from yesterday: «After a succession of events which undermine the acquisition of Tiffany & Co, the Board of LVMH met to review the situation relating to the contemplated investment in light of these recent developments.

The Board learned of a letter from the French European and Foreign Affairs Minister which, in reaction to the threat of taxes on French products by the US, directed the Group to defer the acquisition of Tiffany until after January 6th, 2021. Furthermore, the Board noted Tiffany & Co.’s requested to extend the «Outside Date» in the Merger Agreement from November 24th to December 31st, 2020.

As a results of these elements, and knowledge of the first legal analysis led by the advisors and the LVMH teams, the Board decided to comply with the Merger Agreement signed in November 2019 which provides, in any event for a closing deadline no later than November 24th, 2020 and officially records that, as it stands, the Group LVMH will therefore not be able to complete the acquisition of Tiffany & Co.»

Key figure: Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co.

In course of Tiffany & Co.’s lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SE and related entities («LVMH»), Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board, said, «We regret having to take this action but LVMH has left us no choice but to commence litigation to protect our company and our shareholders. Tiffany is confident it has complied with all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and is committed to completing the transaction on the terms agreed to last year. Tiffany expects the same of LVMH.»

He stated further, «We believe that LVMH will seek to use any available means in an attempt to avoid closing the transaction on the agreed terms. But the simple facts are that there is no basis under French law for the Foreign Affairs Minister to order a company to breach a valid and binding agreement, and LVMH’s unilateral discussions with the French government without notifying or consulting with Tiffany and its counsel were a further breach of LVMH’s obligations under the Merger Agreement. ‎Moreover, this supposed official French effort to retaliate against the U.S. for proposed new tariffs has never been announced or discussed publicly; how could it possibly then be an effort to pressure the U.S. into revoking the tariffs? Furthermore, as we are not aware of any other French company receiving such a request, it is all the more clear that LVMH has unclean hands.»

Tiffany CEO Alessandra Bogliolo in 2018

Tiffany emphasized that its business remained strong, with sales in the last three months of 2020 expected to exceed the same period last year and that the COVID-19 pandemic has not prevented other parties from making antitrust filings on a timely schedule.

Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Bogliolo underlined, »The fundamental strength of Tiffany’s business is clear. The company has already returned to profitability after just one quarter of losses, and we expect our earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 will actually exceed the same period in 2019.»

The famous movie scene: Audrey Hepburn in «Breakfast at Tiffany’s».

Tiffany is seeking to expedite the Delaware proceedings to obtain a ruling prior to November 24, 2020 ordering LVMH to comply with its obligations and complete the transaction on the agreed terms.

An unpleasant turnaround of what we thought would become a love story of the luxury industry. I am very curious to see the outcome. I mean if LVMH walks away completely, Kering or Richmond might jump on the deal and acquire Tiffany. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Funny composite from the NY Post
Photos: Tiffany & Co., LVMH, Getty

Yesterday, LVMH announced the appointment of Frédéric Arnault to the role of CEO of
TAG Heuer from 1 July onwards. Frédéric joins some of his siblings in taking on a senior role within LVMH. Four of founder Bernard Arnault’s five children now occupy senior positions within the group, at Louis Vuitton and luggage maker Rimowa among others.

Frédéric Arnault (25)

A former student of France’s École Polytechnique (X2014), Frédéric Arnault (25) started his professional career at Facebook before moving on to consulting firm McKinsey. At the start of 2017 he joined TAG Heuer to manage its smartwatch activities. Since being appointed Chief Strategy and Digital Officer in October 2018, he has led an ambitious transformation and digitalisation campaign within the Maison in close collaboration with Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of the Watchmaking Division and TAG Heuer.

Presented this week: a special edition of Tag Heuer’s third-generation luxury Connected Watch for is dedicated to passionate golfers.

Fréderic’s position as head of the company will see him play a role in supporting innovation and accelerating the development of TAG Heuer, as he has done with the successful launch of the latest Connected watch after piloting the entire design phase.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Ayrton Senna Special Edition 2019

A pioneer of the watchmaking industry since 1860, the Maison will continue to maximise the value of its iconic ranges Carrera, Monaco and Aquaracer, all the while cementing its avant-garde status inthe industry with its third generation of smartwatches.

Stéphane Bianchi (53)

Stéphane Bianchi (53) will assume the role of CEO of the Watches and Jewelry Division from 1 July onwards. The role was held by Jean-Claude Biver before. This will see him take the reins of jewelry Maisons Chaumet and FRED, in addition to TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith.

Jean-Marc Mansvelt, Managing Director of Chaumet, and Charles Leung, Managing Director of FRED will report to Stéphane Bianchi in his new role. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, will continue to report to Toni Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tag Heuer

Yesterday, Anna Wintour, who helms the chairmanship at the Costume Institute since the ‘90s, announced via Vogue that the Met Gala 2020 will officially be postponed in light of the coronavirus outbreak. News of the postponement comes after the Met’s decision to close its doors until April 4.

Understandably, as everywhere in the world life is slowing down, taking a step back to fight together against this terrible virus. I am living in Switzerland that closed more businesses yesterday to slow the spread of the coronavirus but stopped short of ordering the country’s 8.6 million citizens to stay home. Under the new rules, restaurants, museums, cinemas, hair salons, and all nonessential commerce had to shut down at midnight until at least April 19. Borders with France, Austria, and Germany are tightened. The move comes just days after the Federal Council reintroduced border controls with Italy, closed schools, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people. As of Monday, Switzerland had 1,680 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 14 of them fatal. The country is only testing those severely stricken by the disease.

Yesterday at CHANEL – empty shelves in preparation for the lockdown.

Yesterday evening, I was the «last customer standing» at CHANEL. I had to pick up something before the store officially closed for many weeks. It was quite scary, seeing the shelves emptied and saying good-bye to everyone not knowing when we well be seeing each other again.

Personally speaking, I am really scared of the economic impact this health crisis will have. This is a particularly challenging time for many of the business, especially the small ones, regardless of their location, as the economic fallout from this situation will likely impact their business in some way. My industry is absolutely affected, the stock market experienced sharp declines, demonstrating the impact of the virus on consumer industries. While the impact on fields including travel, entertainment and technology are widely known, lifestyle industries – including fashion and beauty – have been affected as well. Most companies, especially the huge beauty conglomerates, depend on the Asian market with a strong focus on China as well as travel retail, two strong pillars that have just disappeared. Event cancelations and affected sales due to the closure of many stores also impact the industry tremendously.

Looking to a resolution for the global health crisis, Giorgio Armani has donated 1.25 million euros to hospitals and institutions in Italy. Versace made a contribution of about 144 thousand dollars to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. LVMH announced on Sunday that it will use its perfume production lines to start making hand sanitizer that will be delivered free of charge to health authorities to protect people against the coronavirus outbreak.

Good news is that online sales are booming and as long as DHL and all the other shipping companies are allowed to deliver to our doorstep, we can still keep up with the fashion trends.

What is going to happen at Sandra’s Closet during the next weeks? I have to admit I am happy as a bug, for the first time I can enjoy being at home, working 24/7 on things and stories I haven’t had the time to write about due to my busy schedule. No travel plans, no FOMO (fear of missing out) as everybody is doing the same. I am not missing anything. Furthermore, I will relax, read a book, exercise and spend time with my daughter with whom I have finally the time to shoot a lot of outfit posts with no rush in between appointments.

Stay tuned, I will entertain you daily and hopefully make you dream of what we will be wearing when we get out of our exile. My dear fashion enthusiasts, enjoy your daily glimpse of fashion and beauty on Sandra’s Closet while staying home and healthy. And please laugh daily… that is the best remedy of all.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE confirmed that it has reached a $16.2 billion deal to buy American jeweller Tiffany & Co. There had been rumors for a long time about this blockbuster purchase. The largest luxury deal gives the famous French group, that is the world’s largest luxury conglomerate and Europe’s second-most valuable company, a bigger presence in jewelry and strengthen its position in the US.

Object of desire: An engagement ring by Tiffany & Co.

Jewelry is one of the best-performing luxury categories and is predicted to grow. The deal also allows LVMH to compete further with Swiss conglomerate Richemont, which owns Piaget, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, and a lot of watch brands.

Nevertheless, Tiffany & Co. has been facing weak demand and will likely need heavy investment to revamp its business. It will be an interesting journey we will surely follow… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tiffany and © Sandra Bauknecht

This is industry news that I don’t want you to miss. Stéphane Bianchi, President of the LVMH Watch Division, and Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Bvlgari Group, are announcing the first LVMH Swiss Watch Manufactures Exhibition.

The event will take place at the Dubai Bvlgari Hotel in January 2020 and will include Bvlgari,
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. The four watch brands will introduce to the international medias and retail partners their watchmaking news 2020.

Dubai Bvlgari Hotel

«In between Geneva in January and Basel in March, we have had in the recent years two major product presentations in the first quarter. This early discovery of our strategies, news and novelties has allowed our media and retail partners to better plan the year ahead and as such we have decided on this set up for 2020 to balance the scheduling of the other events», declared Jean-Christophe Babin.

Watch news this month: TAG Heuer’s second of five limited-edition Monaco timepieces that mark the icon’s 50th anniversary. 

As previously announced, Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith are also confirming in parallel their presence at Baselworld 2020, late April/early May.

«We remain very supportive and loyal to Baselworld and the Swiss watchmaking industry. However, it was not possible for us to go 13 months without a global presentation of our products and brands. This additional event further confirms the LVMH commitment to the strategic and profitable watch category», said Stéphane Bianchi.

Hublot – proud official timekeeper of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.

Personally speaking, I find this idea very interesting. Let’s be frank, watch fairs are extremely expensive and not very flexible. In my post about SIHH 2019 from January, I told you already about several changes that are going to happen next year with many brands leaving Baselworld or the SIHH. Solutions were found though, with the Geneva- and the Basel-based shows uniting forces and coordinating their dates from 2020.

Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Adventure

Still, the situation isn’t ideal for everyone. I am curious to see LVMH’s own, private «Pre-Baselworld event» in Dubai, in January 2020. The location is an interesting choice as well… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

An example of Bvlgari’s new watch creations for 2019

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

While visiting Arles yesterday, I passed by a Christian Lacroix store (photo at the end of this post) which immediately caught my eye as I had completely forgotten about the fashion house after it had been sold by LVMH to duty-free retailer Falic Fashion Group in 2005.

Visiting Arles yesterday – an inspiration for today’s post.

I had been a big fan of flamboyant Lacroix’s designs and even got married in one of his couture dresses. Personally speaking, when Christian opened his Maison, I started actively being interested in fashion and his creations inspired me a lot of what I do today.

The story of Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix was born in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône in Southern France. At a young age he began already sketching historical costumes and fashions. In April 1987, his dream came true and he founded his own fashion house in a private mansion at 73 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris. The House of Christian Lacroix was created by the Arlesian couturier and press agent Jean-Jacques Picart, with support from Bernard Arnault. Word quickly spread throughout Paris and Christian Lacroix’s name was on everyone’s lips.

A look from Lacroix’s F/W 1987 haute couture collection.

The following 26 July, Christian Lacroix unveiled his first Haute Couture collection for F/W 1987. This first collection was a radiant, opulent, virtuosic homage to the couturier’s roots; each look was infused with Mediterranean influences. The designer revisited traditional Arlesian outfits, drawing inspiration from the toreador’s cape. He highlighted southern France’s beauty, from the Camargue to Provence, in this 60-piece collection.

This first flamboyant fashion show was wildly successful, blowing the dust off the subdued world of 1980s high fashion and turning Parisian fashion of the day on its head. It was a departure from the minimalistic look of the influential Japanese designers en vogue at that time.

Christian Lacroix F/W 2004 Haute Couture collection

At a time when fashion was focused on simplicity, Christian Lacroix chose exuberance. When black became the standard, he opted for blood red, fuchsia pink and bright yellow.

With each new collection, Christian Lacroix designed pieces that combined unusual materials and colours, adorning looks with luxurious baroque touches. He brought back touches of folklore, history and theatre, infusing them with elegance and sophistication.

Very «Like a Prayer»: Anna Wintour chose for her first Vogue cover a Christian Lacroix couture jacket combined with a pair of jeans. It was photographed by Peter Lindbergh and  featured Israeli Model Michaela Bercu – US Vogue Nov 1988

Anna Wintour chose a Christian Lacroix Haute Couture jacket with a simple pair of jeans for her first American Vogue cover, photographed by Peter Lindberg in 1988. This look broke all the high fashion rules, pushing it into a younger and more liberated future.

After a spectacular debut, the Lacroix phenomenon spread as if propelled by the Mistral wind, and was soon featured prominently in all the most prestigious fashion magazines around the world.

Shalom Harlow in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture photographed by Bruce Weber for Vogue US, March 1995.

Throughout the 1990s, the brand continued to grow, diversifying its portfolio with household linen, tableware and more. This diversification continued to pick up speed in the following decade.

Between 2002-2005, Lacroix served also as the Creative Director for the Italian fashion house Emilio Pucci. He left on agreeable terms as he and the house believed that since he had other pursuits, it would be unfair to the house to not put in the energy required for future collections along with his other work.

Ad Campaign F/W 1997 featuring Karen Elson photographed by Paolo Roversi

In 2005, LVMH sold the House to its current owners, the Falic family, giving it new momentum as it explored other niches while continuing the House’s previous activities. In 2009, the fashion house put the business into administration and laid off all but 12 workers. Lacroix’s F/W 2009 Haute Couture was privately financed by Lacroix and each model was paid €50.

Final finale: Christian Lacroix and Vlada Roslyakova – Haute Couture F/W 2009

As Vogue editor Sarah Mower wrote: «It was one of the most poignant and emotionally fraught haute couture shows ever: a collection produced on a shoestring at the last minute, and only made possible by the collective will and donated time and skills of the seamstresses, embroiderers, jewelers, milliners, and shoemakers loyal to Christian Lacroix.»

«I didn’t want to cry,» said Lacroix «I want to continue, maybe in a different way, with a small atelier. What I really care about is the women who do this.» Lacroix said about his last Haute Couture collection. Throughout its history, the house never turned a profit and reported a €10 million loss in 2008.

When Christian Lacroix left his position as the House’s Artistic Director in late 2009, Sacha Walckhoff, who had worked at the House since 1992, was named Creative Director. Sacha continued the House’s transformation alongside President Nicolas Topiol, extending the creative focus to decoration and lifestyle collections.

Lacroix in 2018: Designing for Desigual

Lacroix, himself, started collaborating in 2011 with the Barcelona-based clothing brand Desigual. This year, he will launch 5 mini collections for the house.

Lacroix x Nymphenburg

He also collaborated with Nymphenburg for a limited edition collection of design objects.

Interior design by Christian Lacroix: Hotel Le Bellechasse in Paris 

Moreover, Christian Lacroix has completed interior design work at several landmark hotels, including the Hotel Le Petit Moulin in Spring, 2005; the Hotel Bellechasse, right in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris), in 2007 (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World); and in 2010 Le Notre Dame hotel just a step from the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Paris.

The newest hotel design project by Lacroix: Julius Caesar in Arles.

In 2014, formerly a 17th century Carmelite Convent, Julius Caesar in Arles opened its doors as a boutique hotel featuring décor designed by Christian Lacroix.

The Christian Lacroix store in Arles.

Lacroix without Lacroix… the House’s Studio still produces collections in men’s fashion, accessories (scarves, sunglasses, handbags, jewellery, watches and mobile phone accessories) and lifestyle (fabrics, wallpapers, cushions, rugs, tableware, candles and stationery). But unfortunately no women’s fashion… but to be honest that is also hard to imagine without Lacroix being there himself!

Lacroix, Sweetie, Lacroix! Your are a genius…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Lacroix, via Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht