History of Pierre Cardin in Timeline
Pierre Cardin, originally Pietro Costante Cardin, was an Italian-born, later French, fashion designer known for his futuristic and unconventional designs. His signature style involved geometric shapes and disregarded traditional notions of the female form. Cardin was a pioneer in unisex clothing, creating garments that were sometimes experimental and defied practicality. He launched his fashion house in 1950 and achieved fame with his iconic "bubble dress" in 1954.
July 1922: Birth of Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin, originally named Pietro Costante Cardin, was born in July 1922 near Treviso, Italy.
1924: Cardin Family Relocates to France
Driven by political and economic hardship, the Cardin family, including a young Pierre, moved to Saint-Étienne, France, in 1924.
1945: Move to Paris and Early Career
Pierre Cardin moved to Paris in 1945, immersing himself in the world of fashion and working with renowned design houses like Paquin and Elsa Schiaparelli.
1947: Contribution to Dior's "New Look"
While working at Christian Dior, Cardin played a pivotal role in creating the iconic "Bar" suit, a key piece in Dior's groundbreaking 1947 "Corolle" collection.
1950: Pierre Cardin Founds His Fashion House
In 1950, Pierre Cardin established his own fashion house, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1951: Venice Masquerade Ball Costumes
Pierre Cardin's talent gained significant recognition when he designed a collection of costumes for a lavish masquerade ball in Venice in 1951.
1953: Couture Debut and Chambre Syndicale Membership
Launching his haute couture career, Cardin presented his first women's wear collection in 1953 and was accepted into the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
1954: The "Bubble Dress" Debut
Pierre Cardin introduced the innovative "bubble dress" in 1954, a design that would become synonymous with his name.
1957: Pioneering Fashion in Japan
Recognizing its potential, Cardin became the first couturier to introduce high fashion to the Japanese market in 1957.
1966: Independent Showcases and Pakistan International Airlines Uniforms
Asserting his independence, Cardin left the Chambre Syndicale in 1966 and began showcasing his collections in his own venue. This same year, he designed uniforms for Pakistan International Airlines, which quickly gained popularity.
1970: Space Age Inspiration and NASA Collaboration
Inspired by the Space Age, Cardin visited NASA in 1970, even trying on Neil Armstrong's spacesuit. He further solidified his connection to space exploration by designing spacesuits for NASA.
1971: Redesigning the Barong Tagalog
In 1971, Cardin redesigned the barong tagalog, a traditional Filipino garment, modernizing its silhouette and tailoring.
1971: End of Pakistan International Airlines Uniform Era
Pierre Cardin's tenure designing for Pakistan International Airlines came to a close as the airline discontinued his uniform designs in 1971.
1972: Collaboration with American Motors Corporation
Venturing into automotive design, Cardin collaborated with American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1972 to create a special trim package for the AMC Javelin, showcasing his unique style in the automotive industry.
1973: AMC Javelin Cardin Interior Option
In 1973, AMC continued to offer the special interior option designed by Pierre Cardin for their Javelin model. The uniquely designed interior featured bold, mirrored multi-colored pleated stripe patterns in a variety of colors.
1975: First Furniture Boutique Opens
Expanding his creative vision, Pierre Cardin opened his first furniture boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1975.
1977: First Cartier Golden Thimble Award
Pierre Cardin's exceptional creativity earned him his first Cartier Golden Thimble award in 1977, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of fashion.
1977: First American Home Furnishing Collection
Cardin partnered with American manufacturers like Dillingham Manufacturing Company to launch his first mass-produced home furnishing collection in the United States.
1979: Pioneering Fashion in China
Breaking new ground, Cardin became the first Western designer to hold a fashion show in China in decades, marking a significant moment in East-West fashion relations.
1979: Second Cartier Golden Thimble Award
Pierre Cardin was once again honored with the prestigious Cartier Golden Thimble award in 1979, highlighting his continued influence and innovative designs.
1983: Third Cartier Golden Thimble Award
Pierre Cardin's consistent excellence in fashion earned him his third Cartier Golden Thimble award in 1983, solidifying his status as a design icon.
1986: Estimated Annual Income
In 1986, Women's Wear Daily estimated Pierre Cardin's annual income to be over US$10 million, a testament to his business acumen and the global reach of his brand.
1988: Expansion of the Pierre Cardin Brand
By the late 1980s, the Pierre Cardin brand expanded its reach beyond fashion, venturing into diverse product lines through extensive licensing agreements.
1991: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Appointment
Recognizing his cultural influence, Pierre Cardin was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1991.
1993: Death of André Oliver
In 1993, Pierre Cardin's long-term business partner and life partner, André Oliver, passed away.
1993: Departure from Chambre Syndicale
After decades of membership, Pierre Cardin concluded his association with the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Prêt-à-Porter in 1993.
1994: Exclusive Collection Showing
Choosing an exclusive approach, Cardin presented his collection only to a select group of clients and journalists in 1994, marking a departure from traditional runway shows.
1995: Criticism of Brand Overextension
Despite the financial success, Pierre Cardin's extensive brand licensing drew criticism in 1995, with some questioning the impact on the brand's exclusivity and identity.
2005: Analysis of Cardin's Brand Licensing
A 2005 Harvard Business Review article examined Pierre Cardin's brand licensing strategy, noting both its successes and failures. The analysis highlighted the brand's successful transition into perfumes and cosmetics while also pointing out the potential risks of over-licensing.
2009: UN FAO Goodwill Ambassador Appointment
Pierre Cardin's commitment to humanitarian work led to his appointment as a United Nations FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 2009.
2011: Unsuccessful Attempt to Sell Business
In 2011, Pierre Cardin explored selling his business, valuing it at €1 billion. However, the deal fell through, and he ultimately retained ownership of his company.
September 2019: "House of Cardin" Documentary Premiere
A documentary film chronicling the life and career of Pierre Cardin, titled "House of Cardin," premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2019, receiving a standing ovation.
December 2020: Death of Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin died in December 2020 at the age of 98 at the American Hospital of Paris.
December 2020: Death of Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin, the iconic fashion designer known for his avant-garde style and Space Age designs, passed away in December 2020.