Christian Lacroix’s fall 2009 couture show walks today in Paris. If a suitable investor doesn’t emerge to rescue the company from bankruptcy — and a truly gut-wrenching liquidation plan — today’s show could be its couture swan song. Letters of intent from potential buyers are being invited through the end of this month. Lacroix’s CEO wouldn’t reveal if any offers had come through or discuss the likelihood of accepting one. However, word is the bankruptcy filing has attracted “several potential suitors,” according to WWD. If none work out, the house will retain only a handful of employees and be reduced to a licensing operation by the end of July.
But never mind all those ifs — the show is still going on today for a small audience of 200, thanks to suppliers who offered their services for free and funds from private donors. Though it was previously reported models would walk the show for free, WWD reminds us today that in France models must be paid (and free clothes don’t count). Lacroix reportedly paid models out of his own pocket with help from his friends. If the house survives, production on fall 2009 couture orders won’t begin until September. Speaking of those clothes:
For next autumn-winter, it will be “close-fitting silhouettes, sexy but gentle, with something going on at the back, bare shoulders under scarves which highlight them, black tone-on-tone embroidery… the classic repertory of the house, what is left, the hard disk.”
Badges that read “Christian Lacroix Forever” are being handed out at the show. We couldn’t agree more.
Crunch Time at Lacroix [WWD]
Christian Lacroix: hanging on by a thread [AFP]
