1970s Pierre Cardin Brown Top Handle Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Pierre Cardin brown skin clutch from the 1970s. Rectangular with gold tone metal hardware and retractable top handle. Small PC logo on le...
While Pierre Cardin enjoyed great success in a range of fields, most notably furniture, he is best known for creating groundbreaking fashion designs from the 1950s onward. The French designer’s attention-getting aesthetic, along with his talent for self-promotion, made him a household name on several continents, and his mid-century dresses, jackets, gowns and skirts were modern, flattering and no less than transformative.
Cardin was born in a village near Venice, Italy, and raised in central France. Always interested in fashion, he left home at age 17 to train with a Vichy tailor. After the end of World War II, Cardin moved to Paris and worked for a succession of couture houses that included Paquin and Schiaparelli, before taking a job with Christian Dior in 1946, where he helped conceive the legendary New Look collection of 1947. When Cardin left to open his own salon, in 1950, Dior sent flowers and referred clients to his young protégé.
The designer quickly won attention for his novel style. The first Pierre Cardin couture collection debuted in 1952, and his futuristic looks were catnip for the free-spending consumers of the postwar years. Unlike Dior’s New Look, which featured reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, Cardin’s clothes de-emphasized a woman’s curves; his breakthrough pieces like the Bubble dress of 1954 had, instead, a sculptural quality.
Cardin became an international celebrity with his Bubble dress, and the business expanded rapidly, attracting clients like Jacqueline Kennedy, Mia Farrow, Lauren Bacall and Jeanne Moreau. Perhaps his most significant achievement was introducing ready-to-wear fashion, a radical concept that would ultimately be adopted by every other high-fashion house. He was also a pioneer in marketing to Japan, China and the countries behind the Iron Curtain.
The Soviet Union’s launch of the satellite Sputnik in 1957 kicked off the space race. Soon after, fashion designers adopted styles worn by astronauts and drew further inspiration from science fiction. In the swinging 1960s, Cardin’s Space Age design led an international pack of fashion progressives influenced by the Mod movement including Paco Rabanne, André Courrèges, Mary Quant and Rudi Gernreich, that changed the shape of the industry.
Cardin introduced bright tunic dresses and shifts, marketed as the Space Age look and accessorized with vinyl hats and visors. His work was architectural, streamlined and minimalist: A-line shapes with keyhole necklines and bold geometric appliques. In addition to his Bubble dress, the designer became known for his Target and Car Wash dresses as well as his Cosmocorps unisex bodysuits and jumpers. Cardin innovated constantly, using new materials like heat-molded Cardine (his own invention) and creating glittery evening wear and garments that incorporated LED lights. His omnipresent logo — a swirling black P that cleverly created a white C in the negative space around it — was a commercial touch that horrified fashion’s stuffed shirts.
In the 1970s Cardin expanded his design work into furniture, jewelry and watches as well as automobiles. Later, licensing agreements would put Cardin’s name on goods ranging from perfume to sunglasses.
Cardin has been the subject of several books and exhibitions at major museums, including New York’s Brooklyn Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, London’s Victoria and Albert, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Find vintage Pierre Cardin dresses, scarves, handbags and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
1970s Pierre Cardin Brown Top Handle Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Pierre Cardin brown skin clutch from the 1970s. Rectangular with gold tone metal hardware and retractable top handle. Small PC logo on le...
Pierre Cardin Silk Clutch Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Cardin - Silk clutch embroidered with pearls. Gold-plated metal attributes. Additional information: Dimensions: Height: 13 cm, Length: 25 cm, Depth: 3 cm, Handle: 72 cm Conditio...
1960's Pierre Cardin Navy Logo Fabric Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Pierre Cardin clutch from the 1960s. Frame style with gold tone metal frame and clasp. Navy blue jacquard with all over Pierre Cardin logos. Navy ...
Pierre Cardin 1970s Monogram Suede Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Everyone needs a great vintage clutch in their collection! Circa 1970s, this Pierre Cardin dark mocha suede clutch features the recognizable Pierre Cardin monogram...
1960s Pierre Cardin Beige Logo Jacquard Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1960's Pierre Cardin logo clutch with detachable white leather handle. In excellent unused condition. Off white fabric body trimmed with white leather. Length 11.75" Width 7.5...
$450
H 7.88 in W 10.04 in D 0.6 in L 0.6 in
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Ophidia Clutch Envelope Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace timeless Italian luxury with this authentic vintage Gucci Ophidia Clutch Envelope Bag. Crafted in Italy during the 1970s, this small unisex piece showcases Gucci's iconic blu...
Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Skin Handbag
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Skin Handbag A refined creation from Judith Leiber, this Beige Lizard Skin Handbag exemplifies the house’s timeless elegance. The softly structured body i...
Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...
Dolce & Gabbana Transparent Lucite Purse
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dolce & Gabbana - (Made in Italy) Transparent lucite purse decorated with flowers and golden metal. Additional information: Condition: Very good conditi...
New Kate Spade Spring 2005 Snakeskin Fabric Heels Sz 9.5
Located in Conroe, TX
Kate Spade Rare From Her Spring 2005 Collection Her Final Collection before selling to Neiman Marcus Brand New Size 9.5 * Metallic Snakeskin Print * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Open T...
GUCCI Limited Edition Exotic Lizard Satin Flora Print Horsebit Bag Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
RARE GUCCI FLORAL FLORA PRINT SIGNATURE HORSEBIT BAG DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! Loved by many celebrities From one of GUCCI's most stunning collections in the famous GUCCI FLORA print Very rare Collector's item - only very few pieces were made and sold in selected boutiques Made of beautiful printed satin fabric Exotic lizard skin trimmings Beautiful FLORA design with flowers and animals A truly luxurious and elegant piece Fully lined One side pocket inside Horsebit detail Light-golden metal hardware Detachable strap engraved with "Gucci Made in Italy...
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap from the circa 1980s exemplifies timeless luxury and sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality snakeskin, the clutch...
$6,399Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI by Tom Ford 2003/4 Exotic Crocodile Skin Metallic Grey Horsebit Clutch Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Very rare collector's item from Gucci's exotic collection Designed by Tom Ford for Gucci in his last year 2003/2004 Fabulous gunmetal metallic grey exotic skins - no print! A truly classy, luxurious and elegant piece With light-gold hardware Golden horsebit detail Golden studs Exotic leather - no print! Detachable golden chain Fully lined One side pocket inside Made in Italy Leather tag...
Céline Pochette Enveloppe 1985s Leather Denim Navy Diamond Clutch Celine
By Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline clutch circa 1985 Diamond Clutch (or Envelope) shape in blue denim-style canvas trimmed with navy blue leather, beige canvas interior, gold metal tilting Céline clasp. Width 2...
Valentino Garavani Black Nappa Leather SpikeMe Shoulder Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Arnhem, NL
Valentino Garavani cross body/shoulder bag/ clutch made of butter soft calf leather with shine pewter toned hardware. The interior is lined with black smooth and soft leather and nex...
1980s Vintage GUCCI Calfskin Leather Bamboo Clutch Bag Navy
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI evening clutch bag is crafted of smooth calfskin leather in navy featuring a bamboo top covered with the same leather. Top kiss lock closure opens to a luxurious d...
1970s Pierre Cardin Alligator Leather Embossed Convertible Vintage Clutch Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 70s PIERRE CARDIN alligator / crocodile leather embossed convertible clutch bag. Gold chain strap can either be tucked into the bag, or removed with functioning strap hook...
Mod Pierre Cardin Clutch Bag Purse with Black and Silver Mesh 1960s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Here's an unusual bag from Pierre Cardin, most likely made in the 1960s. It's made from black and silver mesh and features Cardin's logo on the top flap. ...
1960s Pierre Cardin Navy Logo Jacquard and Leather Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The best Pierre Cardin Navy Logo clutch I have ever found. In excellent vintage condition. Dates from the 1960's. Signature fabric interior. One zipper com...
Pierre Cardin Burgundy Crocodile Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
This burgundy crocodile bag by French designer Pierre Cardin, is super chic.It can be used as a clutch bag /purse, or as a handbag/shoulder bag - it...
1970s Gorgeous Black Leather Patent Pierre Cardin Shoulder Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Paris, FR
Black patent leather logo shoulder bag from Pierre Cardin featuring a foldover top, a front gold tone free logo, a detachable shoulder strap 18,5 in (47cm) so should be worn as a cl...
1960s Pierre Cardin Gold Cut Steel Evening Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Unique 1960's Pierre Cardin gold plated cut steel beaded evening bag fashioned in the antique style with chain handle and satin lining. Design i...
Pierre Cardin Sleek Python Versatile Clutch Bag c 1970
By Pierre Cardin
Located in University City, MO
Pierre Cardin Sleek python versatile clutch bag c 1970 The chic handbag is covered with exotic python skin The versatile designs converts from a mod clutch Transitions to a stylis...
1960's PIERRE CARDIN microbeaded gilt floral clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare microbeaded floral clutch with long concealable gilt chain link strap from Pierre Cardin dating to the 1960's. Fully lined in satin. One interi...