1960s Pierre Cardin Handbag, Burgundy Leather

About Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin, at the height of his powers in the 1960s & 1970s, designed some of the most futuristic jewelry, clothing & hats of the era. Famous for using geometric and bubble shapes, his clothes often looked more like art than practical fashion.

The Beginning

Born in Italy in 1922, Cardin grew up in France and began apprenticing as a tailor at age 14.  Cardin moved to Paris in 1945. There, he studied architecture and worked with fashion designer Paquin after World War II.  He moved on to Elsa Schiaparelli and then became head of design at Christian Dior.  

His Own House

Cardin founded his own haute couture house in 1950. His career was launched when he designed about 30 costumes for “the party of the century”, a masquerade ball in Venice in September 1951. A fashion innovator, Cardin was among the first couture designers to launch a ready-to-wear line.

Overexposure

A trailblazer in licensing his name for products such as perfume and automobiles, and using his logo on accessories and furniture, Cardin eventually overexposed his brand.  

New Appreciation

In the 2000s, he reclaimed control of his branding and emerged with new designs and the renovation of the castle ruins in Lacoste, Vaucluse, once inhabited by the Marquis de Sade.  Cardin died in December 2020.

Curious to learn more? Check out our blog post, Forever Fashion,  on this iconic designer.