Christian Lacroix exhibition: 'Christian Lacroix Habille Peer Gynt pour la Comédie-Française'
Immersing viewers in the whimsical world of Henrik Ibsen’s most acclaimed play, Christian Lacroix Habille Peer Gynt pour la Comédie-Française displays costumes from the famed theater company’s spectacular production, brought to life by fashion design icon Christian Lacroix. Lauded as one of history’s most extravagant designers, Lacroix is renowned for his contributions to the fashion world. With exuberant colors and luxurious detailing, his work is synonymous with rich elegance — and extends beyond the runway to the stage. Combining the principles of high fashion with the technical precision of costuming, Lacroix’s sumptuous designs for theater, opera, and ballet are featured in productions at illustrious venues such as Opéra Garnier, The Metropolitan Opera, and American Ballet Theater.
The exhibition celebrates Lacroix’s extensive work with the Comédie-Française, a collaboration that began in the 1990s. Founded by Louis XIV in the 17th century, the Comédie-Française is one of the longest-running theater companies in both France and the world. Its production of Peer Gynt premiered during the company’s Spring 2012 season, with the play’s bevy of characters — from the titular ne’er-do-well adventurer to brides, Scandinavian villagers, a troll princess and her troll king father, and a Bedouin tribe — imagined anew by Lacroix through his stylized designs. The 40 costumes on view at SCAD FASH Lacoste synthesize the designer’s signature style with Ibsen’s fantastical saga, ushering viewers through the unpredictable tale.
About the artist
Christian Lacroix’s deep understanding of folklore, art, and fashion — combined with cheeky irreverence — crystalizes in the signature glamour for which his designs are known. Born in Arles, France, Lacroix showed an early interest in the art and cultures of the world. His childhood love of sketching and history led him to study art history in Paris, where he enrolled at institutions like the Sorbonne and École du Louvre. While in school, he began working as an illustrator for fashion houses before becoming an assistant to Guy Paulin. After going on to work for Jean Patou, Lacroix started his own eponymous house in the mid-1980s. His collections burst onto the fashion scene with a sense of gaiety, decadence, and fun that would become tantamount to his work. After a decades-long run, the powerhouse designer sold the house in 2009 to realize his early dreams of becoming a museum curator as well as a costumer. Mixing and matching global inspiration with the past, Lacroix has made his mark in fashion history through his opulently theatrical designs.
Christian Lacroix Habille Peer Gynt pour la Comédie-Française is curated by fashion historian and curator Olivier Saillard and organized by Rafael Gomes, creative director of SCAD FASH museums, in collaboration with the Comédie-Française.