Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and his work was instantly adored and revered world wide. He defined an era and he was crowned the King of Couture. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His Haute Couture collections inn particular were always exotic lavish affairs. He drew his inspirations from across the decades and I doubt there was ever a more high glamour couturier. This jacket is very special and a stunning example of his work during this time period. It has all the signature Lacroix drama that you could ask for while still being refined and elegant. It comes to me from the original couture client and is immaculate. His true Haute Couture pieces are very special and rare. This one is particularly wonderful and slipping it on feels like magic.
It is not until you put this jacket on that it really comes to life. It has a rich feel to it from the moment you slip it on. It seems unassuming on the hanger, and even on the dress form to a degree, but once on the body, the way it flares outward to the hip is perfection and you can tell it is a couture piece by feel alone. It is made from a textured black wool crepe and the high quality of the fabric is what allows it to retain and hold that shape. The sleeves are slightly cropped. The collar curves softly around the neck and then it is set wide on either side of the elaborate front. Running down the front is a panel of silk velvet that runs down either side and then there is a tightly spaced row of buttons placed on both sides. The buttons are magnificent and each is domed and made from metal done in a deep gunmetal grey-black. Each button is embossed with various configurations of black crystals. Because they are set so closely to each other you get a famous tactile feel along with an actual soft pretty sound as they softly click together when you move. It is quite wonderful. They are intentionally offset with one side having more buttons then the other for a whimsical touch. The back is equally spectacular with two extensive embroidered areas done down the centre. These layer a black lace with silk cording, embroidery work and 3D knotting and beading techniques. At the very bottom is a spray of three hand carved wood tassels covered in embroidery work that dangle down past the back hem. It is very difficult to full present black pieces and the jacket is even better in person. It has been sourced from the original couture client who recalls purchasing it around 1990. The hand written couture tape under the label reads 93789 and perhaps denotes the 1989 collection. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with as tries of Couture hook and eye down the front. The jacket has its proper Haute Couture label numbered 93789. All hand finished to couture standards. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Sourced from the original couture client
Sleeves: 19.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 26" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD3558
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
