In the ongoing saga of the Lacroix brand, we bring updated news. It's now understood that Christian Lacroix himself has severed all ties with his eponymous line, in favour for concentrating on his design career with theatre costumes, hotels, et al with his XCLX studio - though things at the Lacroix label are still busy. Lacroix's ready-to-wear and couture lines were previously stopped due to the label's unfortunate bankruptcy, but CEO of the label Nicolas Topial is currently fixing new deals for licensing, alongside those who stuck by the brand in areas of menswear, silk and bridal companies.

The new additions to the Lacroix licensing are said to be ladies eyewear and sunglasses, stationery and home furnishings - whilst Topial is known to be in talks regarding innerwear, children's wear and various other accessories for both men and women. The future isn't looking so hopeful for the existing staff, however, as the current 30-strong team will be cut down to just 12. And as Topial isn't expecting to venture into women's wear again until at least 2012, stores will be shutting and Lacroix furniture auctioned at the end of May. “I think it’s better to start fresh,” Topial explained to WWD, “There’s a new life, a new chapter starting in this company. The brand is strong, it’s known and we feel we can really build on that.”