Pierre Cardin

One of the best known names in the fashion and designer industry is Pierre Cardin born on July 2, 1922 in San Biagio di Callalta, Italy. Although he was born in Italy Cardin is known as a French fashion mogul. He loves geometric shapes and motifs and ignores the female shape. He designs unisex fashions. Many of his designers are unique, but impractical.
Cardin learned the basics of design and fashion at the age of 14. He left his home to work for a tailor in Vichy where he made suits for women. WWII gave Cardin the opportunity to work with the Red Cross. This began his humanitarian charities and interests. He moved to Paris in 1945 and studied architecture plus worked in the fashion house, Paquin. He became head of Christian Dior's tailleure in 1947.
Pierre Cardin launched his own fashion house in 1950. He designed 30 of the outfits for a masquerade event at Palazzo Labia in Venice and this started his haute couture career (1953). Cardin travelled to Japan in 1959 and set up this country as a high fashion market.
Cardin started the practice of using his logo on garments he designed. He began promoting his collection in 1966 in the Espace Cardin near the U.S. Embassy. Espace Cardin is famous for promoting new artists. Cardin went on to design the uniforms used by the Pakistan International Airlines. The uniforms were well received.
Cardin expanded into new markets and signed a contract with American Motors. His interior designs are immediately recognizable since he uses his logo. Cardin bought Maxims Restaurants in 1981 and opened branches in London, Beijing and New York. He also owns Maxim's Hotels and has a range of food products under the Maxim name.
Cardin's is a modest man and does not tout his charities. He was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1991, supported World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention Programs of UNESCO. He campaigned for the benefit of Chernobyl victims and designed Chernobyl medals and jewelry for UNESCO.