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.
Pierre Cardin Mod Logo Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin Mod Logo Sunglasses from the 1960's. Unusual brownish gradient shades with undulating arms and oversized butterfly shaped frame. Enamel "PC" Logo and iridescent deep ma...
Pierre Cardin Mod Leather Gloves, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Creation Pierre Cardin Paris Made by Aris Soft supple leather with the most MOD white patent leather applique cuff border. Truly a staple for any 60s mod collector of Cardin. Very...
Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
An iconic 1960s yellow linen dress from Pierre Cardin. It has a stand up collar and cap sleeves with trapunto embroidery around them, the hem and f...
Pierre Cardin Maxi Dress 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous tan and off white lurex maxi dress in an abstract pattern of curved lines and stripes from Pierre Cardin. It is a simple A line maxi dress with subtle bell sleeves, a bate...
Mustard yellow wool single breasted coat with brown velvet detail PIERRE CARDIN
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Mustard yellow wool single breasted coat with brown velvet detail. Main fabric composition: 80% wool, 20% nylon. Lining composition: 100% acetate. Velvet button and buttonhole on th...
Black wool jacket with bow tie PIERRE CARDIN "JEUNESSE" for TAKASHIMAYA
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool jacket with bow tie. Lining is probably rayon or acetate. Hidden snap closure on the middle front with decorative button on the top. SIZE 38/ M
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...
Pierre Cardin 1960s Scarf Hem Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible forest green silk maxi dress with red, orange, rust, blue and celery green dots by Pierre Cardin. The dress is sleeveless with a crew neck and attached by a point at mi...
Pierre Cardin Tan Wool Coat
By Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin Paris
Located in Sharon, CT
Double Breasted Men's Coat, wide lapel collar. Shoulder to shoulder 18". Length of sleeves 24". Approximate size: Mens 38-40. Pleated with a belt in the back. Two front pockets Line...
Swinging 1960’s PIERRE CARDIN Bohemian Shaggy Racoon Long Real Fur Coat
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sheffield, GB
A swingin' 1960’s vintage striped long fur coat from the house of PIERRE CARDIN. Featuring long sleeves, statement collar, hip pockets, leather panel inserts and a blushing Organdy P...
Pierre Cardin Archive Museum-Worthy Vintage Space-Age Black Boots.
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Pierre Cardin Archive Museum-Worthy Vintage Space-Age Black Boots. These boots appear to have never been worn, but they are not new. The leather part of the boot shows no signs of w...
Pierre Cardin Couture Blue Bubble Sleeveless Jacket
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An absolutely intriguing, creative and head-turning piece. Avant-garde rounds create a bubble/scale effect. Cardin really got the mod meets space-age theme right here. Extraterrestri...
Pierre Cardin Vintage 1960s 60s Black + White Geometric Boxy Wool Jacket
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sparks, NV
Beautiful vintage boxy cut double breasted jacket in a black and white geometric pattern by Pierre Cardin. Black silk lining and front flap pockets. Details: Fully Lined Front Pock...
$4,220Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Pierre Cardin Museum Held Bright Orange Space Age Petal Hem Vintage Dress
By Pierre Cardin Couture, Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
This circa 1968 Pierre Cardin bright orange wool sleeveless late 60s Space Age vintage dress with petalled / bubbled hem is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Art...
Pierre Cardin "Space Age" Yellow Jersey Dress - Circa 1968-1970
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A rare and iconic "Space Age" mini dress from the "Les Jerseys de Pierre Cardin" line. This vibrant yellow piece features a quintessential 1960s A-line silhouette with a dramatic geo...
Superb 1960’s Vintage Pierre Cardin Brown Suede Logo Buckle Waist Belt
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sheffield, GB
A rare and sublime 1960’s Pierre Cardin waist belt. Features a large and Iconic Pierre Cardin house emblem chrome buckle with a brown leather & suede outer belt. Fully lined in b...
Long evening drape navy blue dress and rhinestone brooch Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening drape navy blue dress with ruffles on the bottom and rhinestone brooch. Tulle lining in the bottom. Padded bra. SIZE M
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Houndstooth Coat, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timeless and elegant with a hint of mod detailing, this classic haute couture coat has just the right touch of individuality. Cardin's tinge of nostalgia for the 60s blends beautiful...
Pierre Cardin Mod Color Block Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous much documented in the 1960s red and black dress from the master Pierre Cardin. It has a crew neckline and short sleeves both with black trim. It is fully lined in red a...
1960's PIERRE CARDIN black leather and brown shearling jacket
By Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin Paris
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1960's Pierre Cardin jacket combines dark brown shearling with black leather for a rich tonal contrast. The body is made of soft, dense shearling, while the sleeves, collar, and...
Pierre Cardin Wool Princess Coat with Fox Fur Collar, Circa 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pierre Cardin camel beige wool princess coat fit and flare silhouette notch lapel fox fur collar princess seams banded waist blush pink buttons at waist & sleeve cuffs two button clo...
1960's Pierre Cardin Black And White Kiss Lock Beaded Evening Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1960's Pierre Cardin mod, op art style black and white seed beaded evening bag with oblong chain link strap that can be tucked inside the hard frame clasp or worn lady-bag style. Bot...
Pierre Cardin belt / necklace (Attributed to)
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PIERRE CARDIN - Three-row silvery metal chain necklace / belt decorated with a flower with a silvery metal sphere in the center. Not signed jewelry attributed to Pierre Cardin. A Col...
A Pierre Cardin Organza Blouse With Dramatic Batwing Sleeves Circa 1970/1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970/1980 France Stunning Blouse in black Organza by Pierre Cardin (attributed to) dating from the 1970s / 1980s. Boat neckline blouse buttoned in front and dramatic raging sle...
Pierre Cardin Striped Sequin Sheath Gown, F/W 1973
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely incredible unlabelled Pierre Cardin gown designed by Andre Olivier for the Fall 1973 Ready To Wear collection. This stunning gown is unlabelled but it is documented and ha...
A green wool sac dress by Pierre Cardin - France Circa 1985
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1985. France A deep green dress in pure virgin wool in the inimitable style of Monsieur Pierre Cardin dating from the 1980s. Sack-style cut, crew neck and long Kimono sleeves f...
PIERRE CARDIN Haute Couture c.1990's Navy Blue Wool Pencil Skirt
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Thiensville, WI
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture c.1990's classic navy blue pencil skirt. Banded waistline with four front and back knife pleats. Center back invisible zipper with two hook and eye closur...
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Mod Geometric Appliqué Shift Dress, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mod Pierre Cardin Haute Couture 1980's does 1970's shift dress. Black patent leather triangles adorn the dress, graduating from smaller at the neckline to largest at the waist. Paten...
$625Sale Price|30% Off
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A circa 1967 Pierre Cardin haute couture green sequined silk crêpe cocktail dress that features a keyhole opening at the back. The main draw of this slinky silk cocktail dress are t...
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Cocktail Dress w/Space Age Design Motif ca. 1966
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
Ca.1966 Pierre Cardin haute couture black silk mini short-sleeved cocktail dress with silver foil, blue jewels and brown beaded trim at neckline, bust and edge of sleeve. Features a ...
Pierre Cardin Prestige Vintage Stunning Red Skirt Suit
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Nice, FR
PIERRE CARDIN Prestige intage red skirt suit. Blazer has stunning cut-out accordion sleeves, rigid collar turned up and button fastening. ...
Ca. 1977 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Harem Dress w/Pagoda Sleeves
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
Ca.1977 Pierre Cardin black jersey harem dress with pagoda sleeves and attached belt. The dress is actually sewn closed at the hem with two openings for ...
Pierre Cardin Op Art Scarf Hem Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Pierre Cardin Op Art Scarf Hem Dress in hyponotic rayon georgette print. A simple sleeveless sheath has dozens of scarves applied at hip level to cre...
$98Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Cardin Paris multicolour Trousers
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Capri, IT
Pierre Cardin Paris multicolour Trousers Composition: Cotton and Other
$1,175Sale Price|20% Off
1970 Pierre Cardin Green Mini Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Cardin "Les Jerseys de Pierre Cardin" green mini dress featuring a short length, front pockets, front buttons. Circa 1970s Estimated size 36fr/ US4/ ...
Pierre Cardin 1960s Chiffon Printed Cocktail Dress with Ostrich Feather Hem
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Pierre Cardin vintage cocktail dress from the 1960s embodies the designer’s refined approach to modern elegance. Crafted in delicate printed silk chiffon, the dress falls with g...
Men cotton and raw silk trouser-pant suit with check Pierre Cardin Boutique Line
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Men cotton and raw silk trouser-pant suit with check. Branded rayon lining ( inside the jacket only) 3 inside pockets. Few stains on the jacket and few holes on the lining. SIZE 46 Men...
Vintage 1960's Pierre Cardin Ladies Skirt Suit Pleated Wool Suit UK 12 US 8
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Nashville, TN
This beautifully tailored 1960's Pierre Cardin black wool skirt suit, rendered in an iconic 1960's silhouette, is the perfect addition to your vintage collection. The V shaped neck...
Faux fur beige coat with texture Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Faux fur beige coat with texture. Main fabric composition: 44% acrylic, 37% cotton, 19% modacrylic. Branded rayon lining One button & buttonhole closure on the top middle front. Pock...
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Chiffon Cocktail Dress w/Ostrich Feather Trim
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A mid-1960s Pierre Cardin haute couture brown chiffon halter dress with neck bow and Ostrich feather trim. Constructed from chocolate brown bias-cut silk chiffon, this cocktail dress...
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...
1960s Pierre Cardin Black Wool Mod Swing Coat
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This Pierre Cardin black wool coat from the 1960s is a striking and iconic piece of fashion from the era. It exemplifies Cardin's avant-garde approach to design and his innovative vi...
$297Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Pierre Cardin Black Tan Logo Flap Shoulder Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
1980s Pierre Cardin Black Tan Logo Flap Shoulder Bag, black leather exterior, zippered closure, tan leather flap, gold matte hardware, zipped interior pocket, adjustable leather str...
Blue sleeveless terry clothes summer dress Pierre Cardin Modes Circa 1960's
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue sleeveless terry clothes summer dress. Hook&eye closure on the middle back. Pocket on both side. SIZE XS
1960s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Space Age Mod Black Wool Vintage 60s Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and Iconic 1960s PIERRE CARDIN Haute Couture black Space Age midi dress! Features panels of lined black wool that look amazing with movement! Fitted bodice with a flattering A-L...
Pierre Cardin jersey top 1960-1970
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PIERRE CARDIN - (Made in France) Khaki jersey top ornamented with a golden metal chain. The collar is also sewn with pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Con...
PIERRE CARDIN Takashimaya c.1960's Brown Silk Mod Circle Pocket Tunic Top
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Pierre Cardin for Takashimaya c.1960's brown silk mod tunic. Top has signature circle shaped pocket at front. High standing collar. 3/4 length sleeves. Stylized u-shaped bust...
Vintage Midcentury Mask Wrap Around Black Frame Italy Made Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Midcentury Wrap Around Sunglasses Made In Italy. This Beauty Has Visible Sign Of Wear On The Lenses. A Sought After Item Not To Miss Out! Measurements Front ...
Pierre Cardin Vintage Poker Set
By Pierre Cardin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Pierre Cardin poker set in excellent condition. Pierre Cardin playing cards have a specially designed non-stick "Triplex"card lamination they last...
Pierre Cardin Red Wool Dress w/Channel Stitched Design Motif ca. 1970
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A circa 1970 Pierre Cardin long-sleeved tomato red wool dress with channel stitched design motif. The A-line overdress features an eight-inch center front slit just above the hem, de...
Pierre Cardin Black Velvet & Lace Ruffle Dress 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer this vintage Pierre Cardin black velvet cocktail dress that features a large lace and horsehair ruffle, slim body, long sleeves, center back ...
Rare Vintage Pierre Cardin Black ' Speedy ' Handbag Bag Signature Purse Satchel
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage Pierre Cardin black 'Speedy' satchel! Features the signature Pierre Cardin crest throughout. Classic silhouette that is timeless, yet utterly chic! Features zip top, wit...
Pierre Cardin Mod Pastel Color Block Op Art Maxi, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dress is a piece of fashion history. It is an authentic 1960s mod, color block maxi dress designed by one of the most iconic designers in history - Pierre Cardin. Lime green, aq...
Pierre Cardin Paris Gray Cerruti Wool Ceremony Three Piece Waistcoat Suit Pants
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Pierre Cardin ceremony men's pant's suit. Three button complete, gray color, 100% Cerruti family superior wool. Mother of pearl buttons, 1990s. Made in Italy. New with tag. Size: 4...
1970s Pierre Cardin Orange Drop Waist dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pierre cardin orange silk dress. Size: 6 Shoulder: 14inches; Bust: 36 inches/ waist: 36" Hip: 36.5"/ length: 52.5 inches. Sleeve length: 22inches.
New Vintage Zollitsch MOD 217 Robust Oversized Frame Brown Lens 1970 Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Zollitsch 217 robust oversized frame. Spotless brown gradient lenses. This pair have slight wear on them due to to nearly 40 years of storage. FRONT : 14.5 CM LENS H...
Pierre Cardin Avant Garde Black Cut Out Cage Cold Shoulder Tunic Dress, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sparks, NV
Unique vintage black avant garde dress by Pierre Cardin from the 1980s. Unlined with no closure (pulls on over head). 52% linen, 48% cotton. The marked size is 12, and the dress fits...
Pierre Cardin Card Wallet 7mr0115 Pink Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 3.5" Width: 0.5" Height: 2.75" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior shows minor rubbing on corners. Interior shows minor wear. Har...
Pierre Cardin Red Leather Logo Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin red leather shoulder bag with gilded PC logo. One exterior pocket with zippered central compartment. Interesting metal fittings on shou...
Pierre Cardin "Car Wash" Evening Dress in Orange Silk Crepe
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New Hope, PA
This is a fabulous 1960's dress designed by Pierre Cardin in bright orange silk crepe. The dress has a round neckline, long sleeves with an open seam at the wrist, a dropped waistline and his famous "carwash" skirt. The skirt is made of looped panels resembling the panels in a drive through...
The Space Age design is not meant for standing around.
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