Pierre Cardin Evolution: Furniture and Design

Pierre Cardin, the inventor of "prêt-à-porter" whose graphically iconic initials personify his signature style, is best known for fashion and accessory design. However, he launched a unique furniture line during the 1970s that transposed his sculptural approach to fashion into furniture design: futuristic forms combined with traditional lacquer and cabinetmaking techniques and revolutionary space-age designs featured metal and plastics.Artistic director and catalyst, he challenged artists such as Serge Manzon, Christian Adam, Maria Pergay, Giacomo Passera, Prevost, and Pacos to renew contemporary French furniture design. Archival documents and newl commissioned photography include rare designs produced in his Paris workshops or by Japanese firm Yamada Shomei, such as his Space line that is the avant-garde symbol of this emperor of 1970s style. Cardin actively participated in this timely publication aimed at the burgeoning market for 1970s design.