This year marks not only the 20th anniversary of Christian Lacroix, but also the year of his first New York City store opening. Following the first US boutique in Las Vegas at the Forum Shops in August 2006, the French designer has opened his second US store, and first in New York, on December 5 at 36 East 57th Street.

    Says Christian Lacroix, "I will never forget how supportive the United States and New York were at the very beginning of my career, so it is a legitimate return to my 'American roots' twenty years later, after my first show here."

    The highly anticipated New York store carries on the new design concept introduced by the Las Vegas store, combining contemporary and French Baroque elements to create the unique universe of Christian Lacroix. The space is rich in patterns, graphic details and bold colors: The store utilizes natural materials such as walnut veneers printed with signature kaleidoscopic patterns by Christian Lacroix. Wall coverings are decorated with a scene-scape of the designer's native Arles in a rustic print. There is a totem bearing the recurring symbols in his designs such as the sun, the heart and the color red. Fitting rooms bear old world French crown moldings and ceiling appliqués, complemented by contemporary chandeliers.
Christian Lacroix has collaborated again with KREO Gallery and the Pavlik Design Team on the design and production of the 1,741 square foot boutique.

    Upon opening, the store carries the Fall 2007 collection of womenswear, menswear and accessories.

    Christian Lacroix founded his Haute Couture house in Paris in 1987 after time at Jean Patou and Hermes. His Haute Couture collections, famed for ultra- luxe and artful theatricality, were joined by elegant ready-to-wear collections in 1988, followed by fantastical shoes, bags and jewelry in 1989.