Renowned designer Pierre Cardin, known for his avant-garde style and Space Age designs, passed away at the age of 98. The Italian born naturalised French fashion mogul initially rose to fame by selling designer clothes to the masses. He eventually went on to become of the first designers to 'brand-ify' his name in a variety from cars to perfume. He reportedly died in a hospital in Neuilly in the west of Paris.
After his death, the family of the deceased legend issued the following statement, "It is a day of great sadness for all our family. Pierre Cardin is no more. Italian by birth, Pierre Cardin never forgot his origins while bringing unconditional love to France. We are all proud of his tenacious ambition and the daring he has shown throughout his life."
Announcing his demise, France's Fine Arts Academy tweeted that members of the academy were mourning the loss of one of the pioneers of modern French design.
Remembering Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin was born in 1922 near Venice in northern Italy. Although born in a wealthy family, they had to flee from Italy to escape fascism when he was a child. He grew up in the French industrial town of Saint Etienne. He began his career at the tender age of 14, working as a clothier's apprentice.
That is when he learned the basics of fashion design and construction. In 1939, he left home to work for a tailor in Vichy and began making suits for women. During World War II, he also worked for the Red Cross, in pursuit of humanitarian interests that continued throughout his celebrated life.
Legacy of the Pioneer of Fashion Branding
Cardin moved to Paris in 1945, where he studied architecture and worked with the fashion house of Paquin after World War II. He worked with Elsa Schiaparelli until he became the head of Christian Dior's tailleure atelier in 1947. He founded his own fashion house in 1950, initially starting with women's apparels. Since then, he has been a thriving name in the French and international fashion industry.
The French designer was not just an innovator of fashion, but also of pens, furniture, fragrance, and much more. Each of his creations reflect his experimental and edgy nature and his signature avant-garde style in the 1960s and 70s. The fashion pioneer was also called the 'Father of Fashion Branding'.
He made fashion more accessible to the common people. However, he also dressed up various celebrities and supermodels. The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor, various royal families are just three of the many.
Tributes pour in for the late designer
Pierre Cardin women, the designer's women collection brand, shared his photo on Instagram and captioned, " 'I didn't want fashion to remain a privilege.' One of the best fashion designers on earth, Monsieur Pierre Cardin, the founder of our brand, closed his eyes today at the age of 98. We Remember With Respect."
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of women’s collections, also posted her tribute to the late designer on Dior's official account. She said, "I am very saddened by the passing of the creative genius, Monsieur Pierre Cardin. I had the honor of meeting him after my first show for Dior; he welcomed me in the House of which he will forever be a part of."
Hala Gorani, the American journalist, anchor and correspondent for CNN International, also tweeted:
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