Pierre Cardin

Born in Biagio di Callalta, near Venice in 1922, Cardin was raised in St. Etienne in the Loire region of France. In 1939, Cardin left home to make suits for women for a tailor in Vichy. After liberation of France, in 1944, Cardin went to Paris where he worked for Paquin and Schiaperelli a year later.

Cardin designed the costumes for Cocteau’s film, “The Beauty and the Beast” after he had met Christian Berard and Jean Cocteau. During the late 40′s, he designed for Dior and also became known for designing extravagant theatrical costumes. In 1957, Cardin designed his first women’s collection under his own label.

Cardin’s embrace of the romance of science and technology, together with the notion of progress was expressed in his 1964 “Space Age” collection. This collection featured white knitted catsuits, tabards worn over leggings, and tubular dresses designed with synthetic fibers. Cardin’s inventiveness and technical flair has been an influence in the fashion industry.