Beatles style guru Cardin dead at 98
French designer loved by icons
WITH his futuristic designs in the 50s and 60s, Pierre Cardin revolutionised fashion, bringing his unique style to the masses with some of the first ready-to-wear collections.
The fashion legend, who has died at the age of 98, won admirers around the world including icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall and The he Beatles.
The French designer’s modern odern style was a key element of the “golden lden age” of couture emanating from Paris ris after the Second World War.
His career spanned over 70 0 years and his brands, including perfume me and underwear, were part of a business usiness empire that is still successful. ul.
Elle magazine editor-in-chief ief and Project Runway judge ge Nina Garcia said: “His curiosity, sity, his vision and his love for the e art of fashion helped shape the dreams ams of many women. Even today his designs are truly modern, with silhouettes ouettes and fabrics that have inspired many contemporary designers.” French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, 68, thanked Cardin for “opening the doors to fashion and for making my dream possible”. Cardin’s family announced yesterday he died in hospital in Neuilly, near Paris. They said: “We are proud of his tenacious cious ambition and the daring he has shown throughout his life.” Cardin was born in Italy in 1922 but moved to
Saint-Etienne in France as a small child – he was the last of 11 kids. His parents, who were wine merchants, are said to have wanted him to become an architect, but his biggest passion was clothes.
He started as an apprentice aged 14, before leaving home three years later in 1939 to work for a tailor. During the Germ German occupation of France in the war, he w worked for the Red Cross.
C Cardin moved to Paris in 1945 and whil while at Christian Dior helped create the New Look collection in 1947. He set up his own fashion company in 1950 and made his name with visionary designs such as the bubble dress in 1954 and his Space Age collection in 1964.
At the end of the 1950s, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection for the Printemps department store.
His clothes were worn by superstars, and his collarless suits inspired The Beatles’ early look, but his designs were also within reach of the general public.
Not all of his fans were law-abiding. Pierre Cardin clothes were adopted by British football thugs during the height of the hooliganism that blighted the game in the 80s.
In the 60s, a time when he was often seen with French actress Jeanne Moreau, he pioneered the system of licences. It led to his logo being displayed on clothes – and many more things besides.
It raised eyebrows but then became commonplace. Cardin once said: “It was always my intention to be different, because that is the only way to last.”