Lacroix, born in Arles, 1951, studied art and costume history before turning to fashion design. He worked for the House of Hermes before presenting collections under his own name. His couture garments were admired for their palette of colors and surface decoration. Lacroix is also known as a costume designer, remembered for his innovative adaptations of 19th century forms, such as the corset and pouf over-skirt, shown in his work with Madonna and on ballet productions.