Christian Lacroix Rolls Out Menswear Accessories, Forges New Connections

Christian Lacroix menswear from Spring/Summer 2010

We're having a hard time digging up good nuggest of news today that don't have something to do with Men's Fashion Week. So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Christian Lacroix, now a licensing operation headed up by creative driector Sacha Walckhoff, is continuing its growth into the fashion and home industries, following the exit of Lacroix himself ad the shuttering of the couture house in 2009. 

On Jan. 22, during men’s fashion week, the Paris-based firm will unveil a new range of men’s bags, in an accessories partnership broad licensing pact with French firm Groupe TWC. Walckhoff created four men’s lines for the accessories launch: two in leather, one in canvas and another in nylon. Retail prices will range from $130 at current exchange rates, for small leather goods, to around $1,035, for a leather weekender.

Also during the Lacroix men’s presentation, Walckhoff will reveal Lacroix's collaboration with Kopenhagen Fur, featuring reversible caban and blouson styles that are astrakhan on one side and specially treated leather on the other, as well specially made J.M. Weston shoes in a “special navy” shade to match the fall collection. Walckhoff hinted to WWD that he may want to turn these collaborations into a full-fledged partnership, saying, “I really want this possibility of working with people who have a special know-how.”

But don't fret ladies! The guys won't be having all the fun with these collections. Nicolas Topiol, Lacroix’s chief executive officer, said the pact with TWC would be unveiled in stages, and that women’s leather goods would be ready by late January or early February and women’s watches and jewelry will be making their debut first at the Baselworld show in late March. C'est Magnifique!

-Alia Rajput

Article and Photo Source: WWD