Legendary French Designer Pierre Cardin dies at 98

He supported arts, he loved geometric shapes and he revolutionized fashion in the 1950s and 60s with his futuristic looks. The world of fashion will surely miss Italian-born visionary designer Pierre Cardin.

The 98 year-old-designer chose to end 2020 marking the fashion world as he passed away on Tuesday of old age leaving the legacy to his great-nephew Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, who will take over the business, according to a statement issued by Cardin’s family.

His family paid tribute to his “unique artistic legacy in fashion” announcing that “ With the loyal support of the house staff, Rodrigo will take over, lead new projects while respecting the fashion heritage left by his talented predecessor,” Cardin’s nephews and nieces said.

With no doubt, Cardin built an empire which he extended far beyond the fashion world, and became with time an international myth and icon. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Pierre Cardin made his fashion debuts at Paquin, then Schiaparelli and Dior. He then founded his own fashion house in 1953, with the support of Christian Dior, and for 70 years, he remained a futurist and a great businessman. He was influenced by geometric shapes, and he was bold in his choice of cuts and colors. Not only he reinvented men’s fashion, he was also a visionary in terms of business, forging ties with Asia since the 1950s.

The world of fashion is sure going to miss the last emperor of fashion, hoping the house succeeds in keeping Pierre Cardin’s name alive.