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 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...
Blouse and skirt in Twill silk by Pierre Cardin Circa 1972
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1972 France Summer cocktail outfit including blouse top and skirt, designed by Pierre Cardin Paris and dating from the early 1970s. Very fine quality silk twill worked on the b...
Pierre Cardin Mod Space Age Mini Dress with Geometric Design, 1970s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Pierre Cardin silk space age mini dress in a pale peach/sherbert color. Dress has classic Cardin quilted geometric design at hem and center bust. In excellent condition - plea...
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...
1970s Pierre Cardin Terry Cloth Maxi Dress w/Multicolored Stripes at Hem
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
This 1970s Pierre Cardin terry cloth maxi dress with fitted bodice, A-line silhouette and bright orange, acid green and purple bands at the hem. Zips up th...
A Pierre Cardin Couture Batwing Sleeves Dress & Skirt Circa 1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Early 1980. France. Pearly red dress from Pierre Cardin, in polyester satin, inner lining in red viscose. Under skirt held by two black presses inside the dress. Large three quarter ...
New Vintage Rare Pierre Cardin Light Tortoise Brown Solid Lens 1960's sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage futuristic Pierre Cardin rectangular light tortoise frame sporting a beautiful pair of medium brown lenses. This pair have slight wear on them due to to nearly 60 years o...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Oversized Blue Lens 1970's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Pierre Cardin vibrant blue frame with medium grey lenses. This pair has slight wear on them due to 50 years of storage. New, never worn or display. A must have! ME...
Vintage Midcentury Mask Wrap Around Frame Italy Made Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Midcentury Wrap Around Sunglasses Made In Usa. This Beauty Has light Sign Of Wear On The Lenses and frame due to storage. A Sought After Item Not To Miss Out! Measuremen...
Vintage Midcentury Mask Wrap Around Black Frame Italy Made Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Midcentury Wrap Around Sunglasses Made In Usa. This Beauty Has Visible Sign Of Wear On The Lenses. A Sought After Item Not To Miss Out! Measurements Front ...
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...
$885Sale Price|65% Off
Iconic Pierre Cardin/ Bonwit Teller Neon Red skirt.
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
The Iconic Pierre Cardin/ Bonwit Teller Neon Red wool crepe skirt is high waisted with boning along the sides. The skirt has a single detailed 'pocket' on one...
Pierre Cardin Vintage Kiss Multicolour Medium C18 Sunglasses, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Pierre Cardin lips with spotlesslenses Medium size 1960’s . Ultra rare design emulating a sleek and provocative pair of lips. New, never used or displayed this pair o...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Round Translucent Rose Lenses C17 1960's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Pierre Cardin medium round translucent frame with rose lenses. New, never used or displayed this pair of vintage Pierre Cardin is a rare and sought after piece not to ...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin 6496 Slits Accents Oversized Sunglasses, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Pierre Cardin oversized slits accents oversized translucent brown 1960’s . This pair of vintage pierre cardin is a rare and sought after piece not to miss out! Measur...
Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Lucite Plexiglass Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Lucite Plexiglass Clutch Shoulder Bag Measurements: Height: 5 7/8 inches Width: 7 4/8 inches Depth: 1 inch Strap: 39 4/8 inches Fe...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Round Honey Tortoise Rose Lenses C17 1960's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Pierre Cardin medium round honey tortoise frame with rose lenses. New, never used or displayed this pair of vintage Pierre Cardin is a rare and sought after piece not t...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin White Foldable Blue Lens 1960's sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage futuristic Pierre Cardin white foldable rectangular frame sporting a beautiful pair of blue lenses. This pair have slight wear on them ...
S/S 1982 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Purple Double Breasted Jacket Custom
By Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible vibrant purple Pierre Cardin Haute Couture coat. From the Spring/Summer 1982 collection, this fabulous custom-made coat f...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin C27 Ultra Rare Medium 1960's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Cardin with spotless medium brown lenses made in the 1960’s . Ultra rare design, hardly seen up for sale. New, never used or displayed this pair of vintage pierre cardin...
Pierre Cardin Reissued Purple Fringe Top
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Pierre Cardin Reissued Purple Fringe Top, a captivating and unique piece that exudes modern sophistication and avant-garde style. Crafted in a striking dark purple hu...
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 Canary Yellow Wool Blend Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Cardin - Canary yellow wool blend dress. No composition label or size indicated, it fits a 42FR/44FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 46 cm, Length: 100 cm Condition: Ve...
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 ...
Pierre Cardin Black and Brown Scarf
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PIERRE CARDIN - Black and brown scarf. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 140 cm x 38 cm Seller Reference: ACC247
1980s Pierre Cardin Grey & Black Frame Gradient Lens Aviator Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Embrace a touch of 1980s sophistication with these Pierre Cardin aviator sunglasses. The frames, a sleek grey, contrast elegantly with the black stems, creating a modern yet timeless...
New Vintage Zollitsch 228 Dark Tortoise Robust Frame 1970 Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Zollitsch 228 robust oversized dark tortoise frame. Spotless light brown lenses. This pair have slight wear on them due to to nearly 40 years of storage. FRONT : 14...
Pierre Cardin Purple Tone Silk Muslin Set
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Cardin- (Made in France) Purple tone silk muslin set composed of a top and a skirt. No size nor composition label, it fits a 40FR. To be mentioned, a few stains on the bottom ...
Pierre Cardin Black Belt W/ Stainless Steel Mid-Century Abstract Motif Buckle
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Cardin Black Belt W/ Silver Front Buckle. In excellent condition Measurements: Longest length - 32.6 inches Shortest length - 28.7 inches Width - 2 inches
New Vintage Pierre Cardin White Foldable Amber Lens 1960's sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage futuristic Pierre Cardin white foldable rectangular frame sporting a beautiful pair of pink/amber lenses. This pair have slight wear on...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Oversized Blue Lens 1970's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Pierre Cardin vibrant blue frame with grey lenses. This pair has slight wear on them due to 50 years of storage. New, never worn or display. A must have!
Pierre Cardin Beige Cashmere and Wool Coat
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Cardin - Made in Italy) Beige cashmere and wool coat edged with Angora fur. Size 40FR indicated. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder w...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin C 873 Ski White Oversized Grey Lens 1970's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Pierre Cardin C 874 white oversized ski frame with grey gradient lenses. This pair has slight wear on them due to 50 years of storage. New...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Translucent Wrap Oversized Sunglasses 1960's France
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage New Pierre Cardin Wrap Oversized Translucent Brown 1960’S . This Pair Of Vintage Pierre Cardin Is A Rare And Sought After Piece Not To Miss Out A Piece Of Sunglasses And Fas...
New Vintage Pierre Cardin Oversized 505 CAVALAIRE Ombre Nude 1970 Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Pierre Cardin oversized two tone ombre frame sporting a beautiful pair of two tone lenses. This pair have minor wear on them due to to nearly 70 years of storage and some...
Pierre Cardin 1960s Silk Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 1960's silk dress from Pierre Cardin in a brightly colored abstract print in blues, green, fuchsia and white. It has semi sheer full sleeves which gather at the wrists. Th...
Pink rayon dress with belt PIERRE CARDIN
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink rayon dress with belt. Acetate lining ( only on the top front of the dress. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle back. Pocket on both side + one "fake" pocket on the top....
$466Sale Price|39% Off
Pierre Cardin New Old Stock Fuchsia Platform Heels
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore New in box, old stock, rare pierre cardin heels The material is satin with silver color decorative stones Its in excellent conditi...
Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Logo Buckle Space Age White Patent Belt
By Pierre Cardin Paris, Pierre Cardin
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Round Space Age Black Patent Belt Measurements: Buckle Height: 2.55 inches (6.5 cm) Strap Height: 2 inches (5.1 cm) Wearable Length: 30.51 inches until 32.48 i...
Black wool knit dress with beads embroidery Pierre Cardin Circa 1980's
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool knit dress with beads embroidery. shoulder pads. SIZE L
$205Sale Price|25% Off
1980s Pierre Cardin Set of 6 Maiolica Print Napkins
By Pierre Cardin Paris, Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
1980s Pierre Cardin Set of 6 Maiolica Print Napkins, cotton, square, Made in France Condition: 180s, vintage, new Dimensions: 43x43cm
Black and red jersey dress with decorative buttons Pierre Cardin 600€
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black and red jersey dress with decorative buttons.Black decorative buttons . Zip middle back. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Printed and draped jersey dress with lace lining Pierre Cardin
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed and draped jersey dress with lace lining. Main fabric composition: 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Polyester lining. Draped on the neckline and on the back of the waist SIZE 50 ...
Pierre Cardin "Ligne Sport" apres ski trousers
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Pierre Cardin vintage red trousers from Ligne Sport with 2 zippered pockets and stirru...
$698Sale Price|32% Off
Pierre Cardin Paris Wool Angora Coat
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage stylish Pierre Cardin creme color wool/angora coat with 2 pockets. Size fits like medium, EU 40 Please note that vintage items are not new and the...
$570Sale Price|25% Off
Pierre Cardin New Old Stock Blue platform heels
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
New in box, old stock, rare Pierre Cardin heels The material is satin with silver color decorative stones Its in excellent condition Comes with the original box size is EU 41/ US 10...
Pierre Cardin Rare Wonderful Signature Logo Silk Scarf
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pierre Cardin wonderful signature logo silk scarf with had-rolled edges, measures 28 inches by 28 inches and made in France.
Pierre Cardin Multi-Color Bold Abstract Silk Scarf
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin's wonderfully detailed multi-colored bold abstract silk scarf measures 29" x 30" and finished with hand-rolled edges.
Pierre Cardin Wool Green Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Paris, FR
1980's Pierre Cardin wool trapeze dress featuring an off-white silk satin collar, double bread top dress opening, pleats in the skirt part. In good vintage condition. Made in Franc...
Pierre Cardin Coco Brown Signature Logo Silk Scarf
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin wonderful coco brown and ivory signature logo silk scarf with hand-rolled edges, measures 25 inches by 25 and a half inches. Made in France.
$466Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Cardin Paris Red Wool Jacket, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage Pierre Cardin 100% soft wool jacket with a tail at the back. Double breasted Appears to be US 6, CA 8, D 36, F 38, GB 10, I 42, please refer to the measurements in the desc...
Vintage Pierre Cardin Pink Jacket
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
A headturning vintage jacket by Pierre Cardin. The jacket has wonderful tailoring , with attractive stitch detail on the collar , attractive buttons, and a wonderful colour clash r...
PIERRE CARDIN c.1960’s Navy Blue Extended Shoulder Double Breasted Vest Jacket
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Thiensville, WI
PIERRE CARDIN c.1960’s Navy Blue Extended Shoulder Double Breasted Vest Jacket Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Pierre Cardin Paris New York; Martha (Palm Beach, New York, Miami Beach) Desi...
PIERRE CARDIN Navy Turquoise Paisley Silk Tie
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Francisco, CA
PIERRE CARDIN necktie in a navy and turquoise silk jacquard featuring a paisley pattern. Made in Japan.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3.25 inches Length: 60 inches Su...
$220Sale Price|55% Off
Pierre Cardin 1980s Vintage Unisex Blu Black Wool Jacket Made in Italy
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Capri, IT
Pierre Cardin Blu and Black Wool Jacket Totally made in italy in size 46
Pierre Cardin Signature Taupe & Coco Brown Silk Scarf
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin signature taupe and coco-brown silk scarf accented with hand-rolled edges, measures 18 1/2 inches by 18 1/2 inches. Made in France.
Pierre Cardin Signature Coco & Cream Silk Handkerchief
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Cardin signature coco and cream silk handkerchief is accented with hand-rolled edges and measures 17 inches by 17 inches. Made in England.
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...
Vintage Midcentury Mask Wrap Around Beige Frame Italy Made Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Midcentury Wrap Around Sunglasses Made In Usa. This Beauty Has Visible Sign Of Wear On The Lenses. A Sought After Item Not To Miss Out! Measurements Front ...
$186Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Cardin Silk Satin Foulard
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful black silk satin scarf designed by Pierre Cardin in the 1980s, fine French manufacture. SIGNED. It is entirely black, gold-trimmed, very elegant. Centrally, in addition to ...