Best known for creating groundbreaking fashion designs from the 1950s onward, Pierre Cardin enjoyed great success in other design fields, most notably furniture. Cardin's desks, chairs, cabinets, tables and other pieces share many of the keynotes of his clothing designs. They are simple, geometric, elegant and cool.
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, studied architecture and worked for a succession of couture houses, before taking a job with Christian Dior in 1946. Cardin went solo in 1950, and two decades later, he ventured into the realm of furniture.
Cardin opened a custom furniture shop in Paris in 1975, and in 1977, he licensed his name for furniture, lighting and rugs that translated his fashion aesthetic into designs for the mass market. While he didn’t design the pieces himself, Cardin felt that furnishings were a logical extension of his brand: “Make sleeves to dresses or feet to a table, it’s the same thing,” he is quoted as saying.
Covering the debut of his furniture collection — priced from $70 for a lamp to $1,375 for a cabinet — at the B. Altman store in New York, New York Times writer Rita Reif called it “the last word in chic,” then proceeded to damn it with faint praise, noting that the glittery pieces, featuring chrome and aluminum, velvet upholstery and Cubist lighting, would “appeal to those who prefer more elegance than originality in their modern.”
Cardin’s furniture pieces — inspired, perhaps, by the rediscovery of Art Deco design during the 1970s — feature simple, symmetrical forms, lacquer and figured veneer finishes, and accents in metals such as aluminum and brass. The home furnishings collections were the first of hundreds of products to bear the Cardin name or logo, including three automobiles and even an airplane; in 1986, Women’s Wear Daily reported more than 800 licensees.
Over the course of more than seven decades, Cardin built an empire that doesn’t merely include hundreds of fashion and product licenses. He also expanded into hospitality, purchasing Maxim’s in 1981 and opening branches of the chic and popular Parisian restaurant in other cities, as well as adding a hotel division.
Cardin’s personal life was glamorous too. He threw lavish parties at his Bubble Palace (Le Palais Bulles), which he purchased in 1992 and transformed over 14 years with Hungarian architect Antti Lovag into a complex of 10 interconnected bubble-shaped terracotta structures. The estate, on an expansive hilltop site overlooking the Mediterranean near Cannes, includes three pools, landscaped gardens and a 500-seat amphitheater. Cardin also purchased a castle in Provence formerly inhabited by the Marquis de Sade and a Venice palazzo supposedly once owned by Casanova.
Licensed Pierre Cardin furnishings were made for only about five years, but more than 300 licenses are still active today. When designing fashion, furniture or anything in between, the prolific Cardin was always forward-thinking.
Find vintage Pierre Cardin desks, mirrors, table lamps and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1960s by Pierre Cardin for Venini Murano Glass Ashtray
By Pierre Cardin, Venini
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare glass ashtray with flower Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
1970s Mid-Century Modern White Ceramic Vase by Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This unique and stylish ceramic vase, designed by the iconic Pierre Cardin, is a perfect representation of 1970s mid-century modern design. The piece features an abstract, sculptural...
Ceramic
$299Sale Price|33% Off
Pierre Cardin Sterling Letter Holder
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PIerre Cardin dark blue upholstered letter holder with sterling silver / made in France Original mark on the front Length: 9 inches / Width: 4.5 inches / Height: 4 inches 1 available...
Sterling Silver
French Pierre Cardin Pink Flower Glass Vase, Signed, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous decorative chic glass vase in light pink - rose color, made of glass. With original label "Pierre Cardin" and signature "Pierre Cardin" engraved in the glass (see all pictu...
Glass
Pierre Cardin for Venini 1970 Square Transparent Murano Bowl Light Blue Glass
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pierre Cardin for Venini 1970 square transparent Murano bowl light blue glass. Large Murano Glass Bowl, very heavy transparent, with a cent...
Murano Glass
1980s Mid-Century Modern Silver Plated Vide Poche by Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1980s Mid-Century Modern silver-plated vide poche by Pierre Cardin is a sleek and stylish catchall that embodies the designer’s signature futuristic aesthetic. Featuring a bold,...
Silver Plate
$499Sale Price|33% Off
Pierre Cardin Rectangular Sterling Glass Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PIerre Cardin rectangular vide poche change tray or pocket emptier with clear glass and sterling silver / made in Italy Original mark on the tray Length: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inc...
Sterling Silver
Large orange & clear Murano glass 1970s vase/umbrella stand by Cardin for Venini
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Large orange & clear Murano glass vase/umbrella stand designed by Pierre Cardin for Venini in the 1970s.The vase is made with the mold cas...
Murano Glass
Pierre Cardin Paris Glass Photo Frame
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Cardin Paris glass photo frame featuring a reflective, beveled design with a modern silver border. The frame has a sophisticated, mirror-like finish that enhances the display ...
Metal
Set of 3 CANDLESTICKS VENINI FOR PIERRE CARDIN 1970s/ art glass/ signed
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Set 3 OF CANDLESTICKS VENINI FOR PIERRE CARDIN 1970s/ art glass/ signed..... DI CANDELIERI, VENINI PER PIERRE CARDIN, ANNI '70 in vetro trasparente con fascia in blu. Firma...
Art Glass
Pierre Cardin Vase for Venini - Murano glass - Italian design 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Milan, IT
Pierre Cardin Vase Structure in molded blown Murano glass with band decoration in glass paste. Signature and production mark engraved. Prod. Venini, Italy, approx. 1970 Fashion, des...
Glass
$15,189 / item
Fiber Glass Screens by Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Screen in glass fiber in 4 panels. Vintage piece designed by Pierre Cardin. France, 1970. (Pair available).
Fiberglass
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Incredible Massive Giant Perfume Bottle by Pierre Cardin Display Sculpture
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Authentic incredible large display perfume bottle by Pierre Cardin France, made of glass with liquid in excellent condition.
Glass
Pierre Cardin Bookend Silver Elephants Black Base Design, 1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pierre Cardin bookend silver elephants black base design, 1980.
Silver
Pierre Cardin Rectangular Brass Photo Frame, Engraved Signature, 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Naples, IT
Cornice portafoto da tavolo di forma rettangolare in ottone, firma incisa Pierre Cardin su tutta la cornice.
Brass
Vintage Pierre Cardin Abstract Futuristic Modernist Bangle Cuff, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne, Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract bangle cuff. All in enameled chromium metal by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this bangle is from the height of Cardin's creative output, 'Fu...
Metal
French glass vase signed Pierre Cardin, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
French glass vase signed Pierre Cardin, 1980s. Very elegant French vase made of turquoise-colored glass with Pierre Cardin label and signature etched into the glass by Pierre Cardin...
Glass
$499Sale Price|33% Off
Pierre Cardin Rectangular Sterling Glass Vide Poche or Change Tray
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PIerre Cardin rectangular vide poche change tray or pocket emptier with clear glass and sterling silver / made in Italy Original mark on the tray Length: 8.5 inches / Width: 7 inches...
Sterling Silver
$1,155Sale Price|30% Off
Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Sculptural Artistic Metallic Tie In Steel And Enamel
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Miami, FL
Metallic art tie designed by Pierre Cardin. Very rare metallic tie, created in Paris France by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, back in the 1970. It was crafted as a piece of art...
Enamel, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Set of Pozzi Ceramics by Pierre Cardin, 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage set of Pozzi Ceramics is an original set of decorative objects realized by Pozzi Ceramiche in the 1970s. Set of black ceramics designed by Pierre Cardin for Pozzi Ceramiche (as reported on the label). The set consist of two black colored little ornaments...
Ceramic
Pierre Cardin Modern Red Porcelain Vase Franco Pozzi Ceramica, 1970s, Italy
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pierre Cardin modern red porcelain vase Franco Pozzi Ceramica, 1970s, Italy. Gorgeous modern piece. A red rainbow or rising sun, signed. Franco Po...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid Century Modern XL Ceramic Vase by Jasba West Germany 1970s
By Jasba Keramik
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorous Minimalist ceramic vase by Jasba Keramik. It features a distinctive all-white glaze with a raised, geometric "op art" (optical art) oval patter...
Ceramic
$440
H 2 in W 9 in D 6.5 in
Limoges France "Maxim's des Mers" for Pierre Cardin Vide-Poche/ Ashtray Bowl
By Limoges
Located in North Miami, FL
Maxim’s des Mers ashtray for the luxury yacht owned by Pierre Cardin, made of porcelain, depicting his yacht.
Porcelain
$625Sale Price|50% Off
H 6.25 in Dm 3.5 in
Art Nouveau Style Art Glass Vase Signed Contemporary, circa 1980s
By Robert Eickholt
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful contemporary art glass vase in the Art Nouveau style, by artist Robert Eickholt, circa 1980s. Vase is signed "Eickholt" and dated "1988" on bottom as shown in last t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Hand Crafted Mahogany Wood Owl Letter Holder / Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A hand-crafted mahogany wood owl letter holder / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"D x 5H". #3490
Mahogany
Venini Glass Paperweight
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
This egg-shaped Venini glass paperweight has a purple spiral encased in an orange spiral. It still bears the original Venini label with the Veronese va...
Glass
Yonel Lebovici Ressort Letter Holder Distrimex, France, 1969
By Yonel Lebovici
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare limited edition letter holder designed by Yonel Lebovici and manufactured by Distrimex, France 1969. This nickel plated spiral shaped letter holder was made in a limited product...
Chrome
$287
H 1.37 in Dm 7.87 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery Plate or Vide-poche by Michael Andersen, 1960s
By Michael Andersen & Son
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A small stoneware vintage Bornholm pottery plate or Vide-poche from Denmark. Made by the talented Michael Andersen, this plate is iconic and so typical for this company, especially w...
Ceramic
XL Abalone Shell Vide Poche by Tony Duquette, Mid-Century Modern
By Tony Duquette
Located in New York, NY
Fanciful XL abalone shell vide poche supported by acrylic legs from a Los Angeles home decorated by Tony Duquette.
Shell, Acrylic
Geometric Letter Holder
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Bring a warm modern touch to your stationary with this geometric Desktop accessory. Named “Triângulo”, it showcases how small leftover materials can be turned into a new object: mass...
Copper
Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder Desk Organizer
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder or Desk Organizer. Three compartments on top and a large area on bottom. Good condition and sturdy, ready to use. 11" wide
Bamboo
Large 1970s Signed Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Ceramic Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Large signed Mid-Century Modern studio pottery italian style ceramic vase. Signed and date by the artist, BF 77. Features a brutalist inspired design with hand-painted floral motiv...
Ceramic
Blue-colored Transparent Small Murano Glass Bowl, Italy 1950's
Located in Hellouw, NL
This elegant blue Murano bowl radiates refinement and craftsmanship. The delicate ribs and air bubbles, made with the bullicante technique, provide an...
Murano Glass
Ludovico Diaz de Santillana for Pierre Cardin Italian Mid-Century (1960's)
By Pierre Cardin, Ludovico Diaz de Santillana
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century (1960's) Murano clear glass decorative Venini egg with "canary yellow" pigment (LUDOVICO DIAZ de SANTILLANA for PIERRE CARDIN)
Glass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Brass Round Picture Frame by Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Brass Round Picture Frame by Pierre Cardin This exquisite and stylish vintage picture frame by the legendary designer Pierre Cardin. Dating from the ...
Brass
Vintage 1980s Pierre Cardin Golf Money Clip in Original Box
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1980s Pierre Cardin Golf Money Clip in Original Box Add a touch of refined vintage style to your accessories collection with this authentic 1980s Pierre Cardin money clip, fe...
Metal
Ceramic vase by Pierre Cardin for Franco Pozzi, 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful assymetrical vase by PIerre Cardin for Franco Pozzi Design, 1970s Playful designed vase made from glazed ceramic 1970s - Italy Very good condition Dimensions: Height: ...
Ceramic
Trois vases par Ludovico Diaz de Santillana _ Venini, Murano, 1968
By Pierre Cardin
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Set de trois vases par Ludovico Diaz de Santillana pour Pierre Cardin – Venini, Murano, 1968 À la fin des années 1960, le couturier et designer franco-italien Pierre Cardin révoluti...
Glass
Art Deco Pierre Cardin Pen / Pencils Holder Elephant Sculpture Design, 1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Pierre Cardin Pen / Pencils Holder Elephant Sculpture Design, 1980. Silvered abstract sculpture in the shape of an elephant. The sculpture has smooth, reflective surfaces a...
Metal
Pierre Cardin Desk Set
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PIerre Cardin vintage desk set with a clock, thermometer, letter holder and a pen / made in France Length: 9 inches / Width: 4.5 inches / Height: 2.5 inches 1 available in stock in I...
Sterling Silver
Pierre Cardin Jewelry Box, France 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Naples, IT
Pierre Cardin jewelry box from the 1970s! Gold brass contrasting with dark brown leather, large Cardin logo in center. The bottom is decorated with small Cardin logos. The hinged lid...
Brass
Vintage Pierre Cardin Abstract Modernist Pendant Choker Necklace, 1970s
By Thierry Mugler, Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract futuristic choker necklace pendant. All constructed in brass by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this necklace pendant is from the height of Ca...
Brass
Vintage Pierre Cardin Golden Brass Modernist Bracelet Cuff 1960s
By Paco Rabanne, Thierry Mugler, Halston, Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract bracelet cuff. All in golden brass metal by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this cuff is from the height of Cardin's creative output, 'Futuris...
Brass, Chrome
PAIR OF CANDLESTICKS VENINI FOR PIERRE CARDIN 1970s/ art glass/ signed
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning PAIR OF CANDLESTICKS VENINI FOR PIERRE CARDIN 1970s/ art glass/ signed.....Minor fleck to one (see photo 7) DI CANDELIERI, VENINI PER PIERRE CARDIN, ANNI '70 in vetro tras...
Art Glass
Rare Set 3 Pierre Cardin for Venini vase, 1970s.. Murano Art Glass
By Venini, Pierre Cardin
Located in Buffalo, NY
Superb collection of vase,s signed pierre cardin for the venini house in the 70s . Murano glass. Soliflore with square section. In perfect condition..Purportedly designed and used i...
Crystal