Christian Lacroix’s New Paris Boutique

For the throngs of glitterati that mourned the closing of Christian Lacroix’s Paris boutique in 2009, good tidings—the former couturier is back. Long associated with 1970s and 1980s excess, it’s no doubt a sign of the times that his onetime hothouse of color and texture has been stripped to the bare essentials—stone walls, track lighting, sparsely stocked shelves—the better to highlight a small but opulent collection of accessories and housewares.

Lacroix’s grand flourishes are still to be seen in the colorful totes and silk scarves, Jackie O-style sunglasses and gleefully over-the-top necklaces. Jewel-tone throw pillows, carafe-and-goblet sets, vases, scented candles and other small items are classy but never demure. A typical Lacroix touch: a black-and-white silk settee that mixes styles and shapes in a blend that’s elegant, witty and totally desirable. There are no plans yet to revive the women’s clothing label, but a raffish menswear line occupies a corner of the shop.

2 pl Saint Sulpice, 6th. 01.46.33.48.95. www.christian-lacroix.com

Originally published in the November 2012 issue of France Today