PIERRE CARDIN (1922-2020)

Pierre Cardin, born in 1922 to French parents living in Italy, was interested in fashion from a young age.

In 1950 he opened his own fashion house in Paris after working for some of the most influential fashion designers of his time.  Cardin made history by becoming the first designer to launch a ready-to-wear collection in 1958 which prompted him to be expelled from the Chambre Syndicale de Haute Couture (they later invited him back).

Renowned for his avant-garde designs and futuristic approach to fashion, he rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, challenging traditional couture with geometric shapes and experimental fabrics.  He gained international acclaim for his unisex and space-age designs. Jewelry and timepieces were an important extension of his avant-garde fashions, often worn over leotards, and made from metallic or reflective materials or plastics. In 1969, Cardin notably commissioned Italian modernist jeweler Giorgio Facchini to create jewels for his Autumn/Winter collection in Paris.

Cardin's influence extended beyond fashion to furniture, accessories, and even automobiles. He is credited with pioneering brand licensing in the fashion industry.  Throughout his illustrious career, Cardin received numerous awards, including the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Award and a French Legion of Honor. He is also the only fashion designer who has been admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

His innovative spirit and groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Prior to his death in 2020, the Brooklyn Museum hosted Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion, celebrating his seven decades in fashion.