Christian Lacroix by Christian Lacroix c1999

 Christian Lacroix by Christian Lacroix, launched in 1999, is a floral fragrance that embodies the artistry and vibrant heritage of its namesake. By choosing his own name as the title of this perfume, Christian Lacroix, the renowned French fashion designer, aimed to make a bold statement. The name itself is synonymous with opulence, theatricality, and a love for vivid, dramatic aesthetics—a reflection of Lacroix's couture legacy.

Christian Lacroix, pronounced Kris-tee-ahn La-kwa, is a celebrated figure in the world of high fashion. Known for his extravagant designs and exuberant use of color, Lacroix rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a couturier who pushed the boundaries of style. His name evokes images of flamboyant, baroque-inspired creations, rich brocades, and luxurious embellishments, alongside an emotional resonance of sophistication and unapologetic individuality. The phrase "Christian Lacroix" is inherently French, carrying an air of refinement, passion, and creativity.

The late 1990s, when this perfume debuted, was a time of cultural and social transition. This period, often associated with the Y2K era, marked the end of the 20th century and heralded a fascination with both nostalgia and futuristic minimalism. Fashion trends ranged from the bold and eclectic designs reminiscent of Lacroix’s earlier couture to sleeker, minimalist looks driven by designers like Calvin Klein and Prada. Perfumes of the time were beginning to balance bold statements with modern wearability, often featuring floral, fruity, or gourmand compositions.

For women in 1999, a perfume named Christian Lacroix would have symbolized luxury and exclusivity. The association with a high-profile designer known for celebrating femininity and flamboyance would appeal to those seeking to express their individuality and embrace the glamour Lacroix represented. This connection to haute couture would make wearing such a fragrance an aspirational act, akin to donning one of Lacroix's iconic gowns.

Interpreted as a scent, "Christian Lacroix" naturally evokes an air of warmth, exuberance, and sophistication. Created by Sophia Grojsman, the fragrance draws inspiration from Lacroix’s native Provence, a sun-soaked region in southern France. Its floral composition captures the lush, vibrant beauty of the area, transporting wearers to a world of Mediterranean gardens bathed in golden light. The choice to anchor the perfume in Provence roots it in authenticity and emphasizes Lacroix’s personal heritage.

When compared to other fragrances on the market in 1999, Christian Lacroix stood out for its connection to a prominent designer and its distinct Provencal inspiration. While floral fragrances were a dominant trend, the deeply personal and regionally inspired narrative behind this scent added a unique layer of meaning. Its exclusivity, initially available only at Saks Fifth Avenue, further heightened its desirability.

In sum, Christian Lacroix by Christian Lacroix was more than a fragrance—it was a statement piece, encapsulating the designer's flamboyant ethos and celebrating the beauty of his roots. It resonated with the era's desire for luxury and individuality while offering a timeless floral composition inspired by the sunny vibrancy of Provence.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: seringa, coriander, tangerine, neroli, mandarin, carnation, tarragon, freesia, peach, Brazilian rosewood, hyacinth 
• Middle notes: narcissus, lily, nasturtium, daffodil, magnolia, Casablanca lily, jasmine, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley
• Base notes: exotic spices (nutmeg, clove), oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, tonka bean, benzoin, vanilla, musk, frankincense

Scent Profile:

Christian Lacroix, classified as a floral fragrance for women, unfolds like a vivid sensory journey through a lush garden, interwoven with exotic woods and spices. Each note adds a unique character to the composition, creating a symphony of scents that evoke warmth, elegance, and vibrant femininity.

The first impression is a dazzling burst of freshness, sweet and citrusy. The seringa, with its creamy, slightly orange-blossom-like floral scent, greets you like the first bloom of spring. It intertwines with the crisp, green spice of coriander, adding a subtle zest that feels invigorating yet grounding. The juicy, sun-ripened sweetness of tangerine and mandarin dances with the honeyed brightness of neroli, evoking the golden warmth of Mediterranean orchards. 

A soft, peppery warmth from carnation emerges, balanced by the herbaceous twist of tarragon, creating an unexpected, aromatic contrast. Meanwhile, the light, dewy fragrance of freesia mingles with the velvety sweetness of peach, adding layers of freshness and fruitiness. Finally, the delicate, resinous tone of Brazilian rosewood and the aquatic green floralcy of hyacinth complete this lively opening, like a sunlit breeze through a blooming garden.

As the top notes fade, the heart of the fragrance blooms like a bouquet of rare, luxurious flowers. The lush, heady aroma of narcissus and daffodil exudes a rich, almost narcotic sweetness, tempered by the green, slightly peppery brightness of nasturtium. The creamy, slightly citrusy elegance of magnolia blends seamlessly with the majestic, intoxicating richness of Casablanca lily, creating a floral duet that feels opulent and regal. The timeless charm of jasmine weaves its way through the composition, exuding its sweet, sensual allure, while heliotrope adds a soft, almond-like powderiness, evoking the sensation of warm, sunlit skin. The tropical, fruity warmth of ylang-ylang and the delicate, fresh sweetness of lily of the valley add further depth and complexity, crafting a heart that feels both enchanting and timeless.

As the fragrance settles, the base reveals itself as a tapestry of exotic woods, spices, and resins. The aromatic heat of nutmeg and the warm, sweet spiciness of clove bring an exotic vibrancy, while the earthy depth of oakmoss and grassy dryness of vetiver anchor the scent with a grounding richness. Smooth, creamy sandalwood adds a velvety texture, blending effortlessly with the sweet, slightly nutty warmth of tonka bean. The resinous, balsamic richness of benzoin mingles with the comforting sweetness of vanilla, creating a soft, enveloping warmth. Finally, the muskiness adds a sensual undertone, while the smoky, resinous mystery of frankincense lends a spiritual depth, like the lingering scent of sacred woods burning in a temple.

Christian Lacroix is a fragrance that unfolds like a story. The sparkling brightness of the top notes introduces a vibrant, sunny world that gradually deepens into the lush opulence of a flower-filled heart. Finally, it settles into a warm, exotic base that wraps the wearer in a sensual, comforting aura. It’s a fragrance that speaks of elegance, individuality, and the sunlit landscapes of Provence—a sensory masterpiece that lingers long after it has been worn.

Bottle:

The signature Christian Lacroix fragrance is a masterpiece not only in scent but also in presentation, embodying the brand’s distinctive blend of elegance and artistry. The perfume is housed in a smooth, seashell-shaped bottle made from verre à bulles, a bubble-flecked glass that imparts an ethereal, almost aquatic quality. This artisanal bottle, designed by Véronique Monod, was crafted at the renowned La Verrerie de Biot glassworks in Provence, a region that deeply inspired Christian Lacroix. The subtle imperfections and bubbles within the glass evoke the natural beauty and rustic charm of the Mediterranean, imbuing the bottle with a tactile and visual uniqueness that resonates with the fragrance’s origins.

The packaging further amplifies the artistic theme, featuring a bas-relief depiction of the Théâtre Antique d'Arles, an ancient Roman theater located in Lacroix's native region. This choice of design ties the perfume to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Provence, blending the modernity of Lacroix’s fashion house with the timeless allure of the past.

The fragrance is available in a range of formats to suit every preference and occasion. For those who love the concentrated essence, the 1.16 oz Parfum Spray provides an intense experience. The more versatile Eau de Parfum is offered in both 2.5 oz and 4.2 oz sizes, perfect for daily wear. Complementary body care products such as Body Lotion, Body Cream, Shower Gel, and Bath Beads allow the wearer to layer the scent, creating a luxurious ritual. For a touch of old-world glamour, the collection also includes Dusting Powder and Soap, ensuring every aspect of self-care can be imbued with the signature Christian Lacroix fragrance.

This thoughtful presentation and comprehensive product line encapsulate the essence of Lacroix’s world—a harmonious blend of high fashion, artisanal craftsmanship, and the sunlit charm of Provence.

Eau Florale:

Christian Lacroix Eau Florale, launched in 2001, is a celebration of femininity and freshness, capturing the grace of a blossoming garden. The fragrance unfolds with a delicate yet invigorating interplay of scents, each ingredient contributing to a symphony of elegance and charm.

Eau Florale was a harmonious blend of freshness and delicacy, crafted to embody the light, airy elegance suggested by its name. The fragrance opened with a bright and sweet burst of bergamot, imparting a soft citrusy sparkle that uplifted the senses. The clementine, a cousin of tangerine, brought an energetic and juicy vibrancy, adding a playful, sun-kissed quality to the composition. Delicate violet added a gentle, green-floral nuance to the blend, creating a sense of refinement and nostalgia.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: violet leaf, bergamot, tangerine
• Middle notes: cyclamen, tuberose, gardenia, lily of the valley
• Base notes: iris, sandalwood, cedar

Scent Profile:

The top notes greet you with the tender, green crispness of violet leaf, as if you’re touching a soft, velvety leaf still glistening with morning dew. This verdant introduction is complemented by the sparkling brightness of bergamot, a citrusy burst that carries a slightly bitter yet uplifting nuance, like sunlight piercing through lush foliage. A juicy thread of tangerine weaves in a sweet, zesty vibrancy, evoking the cheerful warmth of Mediterranean orchards.

As the heart of the fragrance reveals itself, a floral bouquet blooms with radiant intensity. Cyclamen adds a light, watery floral note, airy and clean, reminiscent of a breeze over delicate petals. The creamy richness of tuberose emerges next, lush and intoxicating, lending a heady opulence to the blend. Gardenia enhances this floral core with its velvety softness and faintly tropical sweetness, evoking the feeling of being surrounded by blossoming white flowers. Finally, the gentle charm of lily of the valley adds a pure, slightly green floral touch, like a delicate bell ringing in the distance.

The base notes provide depth and elegance, grounding the fragrance in a warm, woody embrace. Iris, with its powdery sophistication, wraps the scent in a soft, ethereal veil, lending an air of quiet refinement. Sandalwood contributes a creamy, woody sweetness, its smooth texture enhancing the fragrance's overall richness. The subtle strength of cedar adds a dry, clean, and slightly resinous quality, anchoring the scent with a timeless elegance that lingers on the skin.

Eau Florale is a harmonious blend of lightness and depth, freshness and warmth. It feels like a stroll through a serene garden bathed in sunlight, the air fragrant with blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves—a graceful olfactory escape into nature's beauty.

Bottle:

In 2001, Christian Lacroix introduced its second fragrance, Eau Florale, a sophisticated follow-up to the house’s signature scent. Continuing the legacy of elegance and artistry, Eau Florale was housed in the same iconic seashell-shaped bottle as its predecessor. Sculpted by master glassmakers from Biot, this bubble-flecked glass design embodied a sense of timeless craftsmanship and tied the fragrance to the sunny charm of Provence, a region deeply associated with Lacroix’s creative inspiration. The bottle’s fluid curves and tactile texture evoked the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coastline, making it as much a collector's piece as a vessel for the perfume within.

This luminous creation was offered in two sizes, 2.5 oz and 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette, catering to both the everyday wearer and the fragrance enthusiast. With its sublime packaging and meticulously crafted scent, Eau Florale captured the spirit of Christian Lacroix—an exquisite blend of artistry, luxury, and a touch of the unexpected. It stood as a testament to Lacroix's ability to translate his love of design and detail into the world of perfumery, making it a cherished addition to any collection.

Fate of the Fragrances:

Christian Lacroix’s foray into perfumery began in 1999 with the launch of his eponymous fragrance, Christian Lacroix by Christian Lacroix, a floral masterpiece that captured the designer’s theatrical flair and love for opulent detail. This was followed in 2001 by Christian Lacroix Eau Florale, a lighter, more delicate interpretation housed in the same iconic seashell-shaped bottle that echoed the craftsmanship of Provence. Both fragrances exemplified the brand’s commitment to artistry, blending luxurious ingredients with innovative design. However, despite their beauty and allure, both scents have since been discontinued, leaving them as treasured memories for those fortunate enough to have experienced their unique charm. Today, they remain sought-after relics of the Lacroix legacy, cherished by collectors and admirers of his creative genius.