Christian Lacroix Necklace

Just in time for Paris Fashion Week, I have finished the first necklace in my Christian Lacroix collection!

This stunning necklace features a butterfly piece from the Christian Lacroix atelier. The butterfly features a hand painted ceramic wing and sparking Swarovski crystals. The main part of the necklace is created with Rhodium (Nickle Free) large link chain. Hanging around the front of the necklace is a mixture of semi precious stones and Swarovski crystals. The stones include Citrine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, and Peridot. This is a one of a kind beautiful necklace that will never be duplicated, and is your chance to own a piece of the Christian Lacroix legacy! This necklace measures 22" in length and is finished with an extra large toggle clasp.

Christian Lacroix was a french couture designer who unfortunately had to close its doors due to financial reasons in 2009. Subsequently, they sold off a lot of stock from the atelier ranging from beads to pieces left over from couture designs. I was lucky enough to find some of these extraordinary silver pieces which I am now including in some jewelry designs. Each pieces is stamped on the back with the Christian Lacroix logo.

If you are interested in more information or would like to purchase this piece please visit my website at www.glimpsebeads.com or my Etsy boutique http://www.etsy.com/listing/82797896/christian-lacroix-butterfly-piece

Christian Lacroix

This morning I couldn't resist but go back to the Marche Puces Porte Vanves antique market. Last week I came across a lady who had bought up a lot of supplies from the Christian Lacroix atelier when it closed. I had to go back this week and have a better look through all her boxes of treasures! I must have spend about half an hour going though all of the beads, sequins, buttons, threads and metal pieces. I ended up purchasing a few pieces to incorporate into my jewelry designs! Each piece I got is stamped with the Christan Lacroix logo. I really liked how the butterfly and dragonfly each feature one beautiful hand painted ceramic wing. I can't wait to get designing!! If you are interested in a piece of jewelry incorporating any of these Christian Lacroix pieces, please contact me at glimpsecreations@yahoo.com or visit my website at www.glimpsebeads.com

Christian Lacroix is a french designer who was well known for his Haute Couture line which sadly closed in 2009. Personally I loved Christian Lacroix's Haute Couture designs. They were bold, fantasy creations, which is what Haute Couture is really all about! He was known for his theatrical style which came from his work while in the theater. Lacroix was also a great supporter of Paris atelier houses including Lesage who did many embroideries for the couture line. Below are some images from Christian Lacroix's collections from throughout his career.

A Trip to the Paris Antiques Flea Market

Yesterday morning I woke up early to go to the Marche Puces Porte Vanves, Paris Antiques Flea Market. I was looking forward to going all week and was excited about what treasures I could find for my jewelry. This antique market stretches along two main streets and offers everything from vintage furniture to dishes and silverware.

After strolling along the first strip, I came upon one lady who was selling sewing and jewelry supplies. As I started looking through the boxes of supplies that she was selling, I realized that I had come upon something very special. The lady who owned the stall then explained that the supplies were from Christian Lacroix's atelier. She had bought a bunch of the supplies when the atelier had closed down after going bankrupt. After hearing this, I was in heaven. Christian Lacroix is easily one of my top three favorite Couture designers. As my boyfriend was with me, I couldn't spend hours going through all the boxes so I will be going back next weekend by myself! I did find a magnificent gold filigree round 16mm bead that the lady who owned the stall ended up giving to me for free! I think she realized how excited I was to find her treasures! Can't wait to return this weekend and spend some time going through all her boxes of supplies!

The market is very interesting for browsing and treasure hunting. There were vintage Hermes scarves, Chanel bags, and Lanvin shoes. The fabric stalls with old embroideries were also very interesting, and old textile sample squares that had been matted and framed ready to hang on my wall! If only I could win the lottery!!!

I found some sparkling old chandelier glass drops that would be great for Christmas decorations! There were interesting pieces everywhere I looked, including old stamping blocks and beautiful ribbons.

Overall, this market is a great way to spend your Sunday mornings. Some of the vendors do start packing up as early as 11:30am so make sure you get there early!