Pierre Cardin

Renowned for his iconic 1960s space-age style, Pierre Cardin (b. 1922) remains a revolutionary force in the fashion world, innovating new materials, silhouettes, and markets. After moving to Paris in 1945, Cardin joined the eminent Parisian couture house Paquin and designed elaborate costumes for theatrical productions and motion pictures, including Jean Cocteau's film Beauty and the Beast. The enterprising young Cardin then lent his talent to legendary houses Schiaparelli and Christian Dior before launching his eponymous label in 1950.

Across his storied career Cardin's futurist vision and avant-garde sensibility have reinvented couture. He is also recognized as the first haute couturier to democratize design. In 1959, Cardin broke from tradition by debuting a runway show of affordable "ready-to-wear" clothes inspired by his couture lines. The designer was also a pioneer of brand licensing, extending his namesake label beyond haute couture and ready-to-wear markets to include jewelry, accessories, fragrances, furniture, and product design, among others, making his name a globally recognized brand.

Cardin is a three-time recipient (1977, 1979, 1982) of the prestigious Golden Thimble award for French haute couture, which rewards the most creative collection of the season. In 2007, he was recognized with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award. In addition to many other honors, Cardin was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and is decorated as a Commander of the Legion of Honor, the highest order of merit given by the president of France for military and civil distinction.