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Full Speed Ahead for Christian Lacroix
By Timothy Hagy
PARIS, May 7, 2003/ FW/ --- Christian Lacroix has been chosen by the French National
Railway to recreate the interior of 183 cars of the High Speed TGV (Très Grande Vitesse) train.
After test designs presented by three competitors made a "Tour de France", stopping
at 40 towns along the way, it was the prototype offered by MDB design company with Lacroix
that clients preferred.
The Christian Lacroix version is bursting with color: the seats are cherry red in second
class, apple green and dove gray in first.
Even the fold-down table trays are color coordinated.
The rich pallet and the fresh design made for a successful combination, giving a haute
couture finish to the train's interior.
More than 50% of the TGV fleet are scheduled to be renovated between 2005 and 2008.
Meanwhile, another project is taking off at Air France, where redesigned uniforms
signed by Lacroix are set to be shown in June 2003.
Working Air France personnel will act as models for the event to be held in the new
Terminal E of Charles DeGaulle Airport.
The sketches presented by Lacroix last December corresponded perfectly with the image
sought by Air France, one that was emblematic of French elegance, while blending an
openness toward the different cultures of the world.
Women will have the choice of two different versions of jackets, skirts and slacks.
Men can select their wardrobe from two types of jackets (either single or double breasted),
and two models of pants.
The basic color will remain navy blue, which has served Air France for the last 70 years.
Travel has long fascinated many designers. In the early 20th Century, René Lalique
contributed to the interior of the first class compartments of the Pullman cars on
the Orient Express.
His triptych of Bacchus, constructed of luminous crystal with motives in relief,
so enamored Jacqueline Kennedy that she had the same panels installed on Air Force One.
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