Pierre Cardin, the fashion designer known for his space-age-informed 1960s dresses, has passed away in Neuilly, France at the age of 98.
As well as his designs, Cardin is famous for being an early adapter of the licensing deals that are a mainstay of fashion houses today, putting his name and brand on products including fragrances, aeroplane interiors and sunglasses.
"It is very difficult to make a name in fashion. When you have one, you need to profit from it," Cardin told AFP last year.
"If I made money through the licensing it was to be free and do something other than fashion."
A pink Pierre Cardin dress from 1968. Photo is by Mabalu, Wikimedia Commons.
The designer's death was announced by his family and confirmed on Twitter by France's Academy of Fine Arts, which made him a member in 1992. "The Perpetual Secretary, Laurent Petitgirard, and the members of the Academy of Fine Arts are deeply saddened to announce the death of their colleague Pierre Cardin. He had been elected on 12 February 1992 to the chair of Pierre Dux," the Académie des Beaux-Arts tweeted.
Cardin's career began in 1945 when the Italian-born designer started working for fashion designers Paquin and Schiaparelli. After also designing for the stage, Cardin opened his own company and created his famous 1954 "bubble dress".
Orange and black coat by Pierre Cardin, circa 1970. Photos is by ShenkarArchive at Wikimedia Commons
In 1959, he launched the concept of ready-...