For his Fall 2009 RTW show, Christian Lacroix strayed from the goth-like black lace and spidery veils shown in last year’s show, and opted for a more uplifting collection.
It’s actually a pattern we’ve seen among several designers: gloomy grays, blacks and other ‘dark’ fashions have made way for brighter colors and cheerier styles that speak to the societal desire to bring more cheer into our day-to-day lives in these credit-crunched times.
On a whole, Lacroix’s collection looked quite opulent; hair was pulled back sternly into bulbous buns and the fabrics were of the highest quality. Makeup was subtle save for the lipstick which was a crimson red, a shade iconic of the tone worn by many women during Great Depression.
While the show exhibited some bright pieces and bursts of color popping out under hemlines, this was, of course, a Christian Lacroix show, so not all noir was nixed in the couture. There were staple pieces in luxurious raven tones and black tights with wonderfully intricate patterns.
Check out the gallery for the Christian Lacroix Fall 2009 show, and make sure to look at the related trends for more Lacroix goodness from seasons past.
Credit-Crunched Color Splashes
Christian Lacroix Infuses Blacks With Mood-Lifting Color
Trend Themes
1. Colorful Fashion - The trend for brighter colors and cheerier styles in fashion speaks to a societal desire to lift the mood during difficult economic times.
2. Opulent Collection - Christian Lacroix's opulent collection for Fall 2009 highlights the trend for luxurious fabrics and high-quality craftsmanship.
3. Iconic Lipstick Shades - The use of crimson red lipstick in Christian Lacroix's Fall 2009 show nods to the iconic tone worn by women during the Great Depression.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands have the opportunity to incorporate mood-lifting colors and opulent, high-quality materials into their designs to appeal to customers during tough economic times.
2. Beauty - Beauty companies can market lipstick shades that nod to iconic tones of the past as a way to provide a sense of nostalgia and comfort to customers during uncertain times.
3. Luxury Goods - Luxury brands can tap into the trend for opulent materials and expert craftsmanship to add value and exclusivity to their products.