DALLAS, Aug 14, 2006/ FW/ — Christian Lacroix ‘officially’ comes to the U.S. with the opening of his first freestanding boutique in Las Vegas today. Located at the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, the new store also launches the new store concept for the brand that will be extended to all of the label’s points of sale.
Lacroix, who himself designed the retrofit of the Petit Moulin Hotel in Paris worked with the Kreo Gallery in developing the new store concept.
Combining contemporary design with Baroque styling, it juxtaposea the luxury of the Faubourg with the wild nature of the Camargue, the designer’s native land — all in the inimitable style of the “harmonious dissonance” that drives his creations.
The store, which will carry the full line of ready-to-wear and accessories beginning with the pre-fall collection, features in its store window a totem of terracotta, blown Murano glass and Swarovski crystal that bears all the house codes: the sun, the passionate heart and the color red.
The putty-colored cement walls are veined in gold and mercury run-outs, while the composite floors are a mix of Provencal tomette floor tiling, wood, slate and thick wool carpets.
Contrasting with minimalist metallic furniture are hand- carved vitrines and baroque consoles created from an original 18th century piece that Christian Lacroix himself found in Arles.
In lieu of traditional accessories display cases, a personal touch is added through women’s jewelry boxes and men’s curio boxes in quarter cut Lolo, Wenge, Ebony and Elm.
[MARI DAVIS]
Photo by Giovanni Pucci
