Christian Lacroix is a French fashion designer who created his first line of clothing in 1981. His own couture house is known for theatrical designs and glamorous ball gowns but has also devleoped a menswear line, lingerie, perfume, shoes, jewelry and other accessories.

Lacroix studied art history at University of Montpellier and then the Sorbonne and École du Louvre. During this time he met Jean-Jacques Picart who assisted him in getting a job working at Hermès in 1978 and then with Guy Paulin in 1980. After graduating from the École du Louvre in 1981, he started working at Jean Patou.

Lacroix's clothes are marked by bright colors, luxurious fabrics, and dramatic lines. He is credited for creating the "le pouf" gown which features a big ball skirt.