Pierre Cardin

Cosmos day ensemble, Pierre Cardin, 1967. Museum no. T.75 to F-1974

-'The clothes that I prefer are those I invent for a life that doesn't exist yet - the world of tomorrow.'

Pierre Cardin Past, Present, Future, 1990.

For the record,Pierre Cardin (born 1922) was born in Venice to French parents and educated in France. After his training as a tailor, he worked for two Paris design houses, Paquin and Schiaparelli. then Dior employed him during the era of the New Look. Many people expected Cardin to succeed Dior, but he left to set up his own firm in 1950.

During the fifties Cardin opened a menswear boutique in Paris where he sold new, informal men's gear like collarless jackets and roll neck jumpers. He made collarless suits which the Beatles' later stage costume resembled.

By producing a ready-to-wear collection in 1959, Cardin broke the rules of the top French couture guild. However, by doing this he sold clothing to a wider public and many designers followed his example.

His interest in architecture showed up in the geometric shapes which became his trademark in the 1960s. His dresses were decorated with circular and rectangular motifs. He preferred crisp, supple textiles like wool crepe and jersey, manufactured by the Italian firm Nattier.

Cardin was also fascinated by new 'space age' materials like vinyl, silver fabrics and large zips. He added moulded plastic visors to helmet-like hats to make them resemble astronauts' headgear. Today Cardin boutiques worldwide sell a whole range of fashion, accessories and toiletries.

Dress

Pierre Cardin 1960s Museum no. B.92-2009 This dress was made for a young girl of around four years old and was designed by Pierre Cardin specifically to be sold for the American luxury department store, Neiman Marcus in the 1960s. The use of a strong geometric cut and simple colour palette of cream with a red stylised heart-shaped motif and border make this a recognisable Cardin-designed dress.

Pierre Cardin
1970
Silk chiffon
Museum no. T.76A-1974

Mini-dress

Pierre Cardin

1967-1968

Museum no. T.260-1983

Evening mini-dress and cape

Pierre Cardin

1967-1968

Machine embroidered organdy backed with crepe, and organza

Museum no. T.324&A-1978

Cosmos

Man's ensemble

Pierre Cardin

1967

Woollen jersey, with patent leather belt and boots

Museum no. T.703 to C-1974

Pair of boots

Pierre Cardin,1966-1969

PVC plastic with fabric lining and metal

Museum no. T.667:1, 2-1997

 Resource:http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/p/pierre-cardin/