PIERRE CARDIN: SPACE AGE TO BUBBLE DRESS

Cardin looked to make fashion democratic and launched women’s ready-to-wear in 1963. Famous fans of his looks included Jackie Kennedy, Jeanne Moreau, Lauren Bacall, the Beatles and Lady Gaga.

- 

Pierre Cardin, the legendary French fashion designer and business pioneer, passed away. He was 98. He died in a hospital in Neuilly, near Paris. The cause has not been disclosed.

Known for his avant-garde, geometric designs, Cardin rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s for his “Space Age” collection and iconic Bubble Dress. He also became a master in licensing, not only for his clothing and cosmetics but later for products ranging from mattresses to cigarettes. Cardin reportedly had 800 licenses in 140 countries, including men’s shoes in the ’70s and ’80s from Smerling Imports.