Christian Lacroix Opens First New York Store (Fashion Wire Daily)

New York - Christian Lacroix may have founded his company in 1987, but it took 20 more years before the Parisian couturier would open a store in New York, which celebrated its official launch on Thursday, April 10.

Situated on Manhattans toniest retail block, East 57th Street, where other top French brands reside as well, including Chanel, Dior, YSL and Louis Vuitton ("Its the block to be!" said Lacroix as he made his way through the store to greet his guests) the store is cozy by flagship standards.

"We are just starting to build a real business here," he continued. "I prefer to do everything with good timing, with a good location."

With a mirrored "brick" wall extending two stories up, mod red furniture and curving fixtures, the store is decorated in a way befitting the designers signature baroque style - exuberant color sense, loud, graphic prints and all-out femininity, the epitome of 80s glamour.

Will he be able to convince New York women to give up their beloved basic black wardrobes?

"I know that in the countryside during the summer, that the New York ladies are more flowery!" he smiled.

For Lacroix, this store marks the beginning of larger plans for New York.

"One day, maybe well open a store in the lower part of Manhattan," said Lacroix. "Why not? New York is always changing, there are always new places in the city that are exciting. We are in the city to feel coherency. The collection is at quite a high level, with high prices, so right now, 57th street is the place to be."