Pierre Cardin, the legendary French fashion designer, continues to make a profound impact on the fashion industry even after his passing. On Friday, January 28, a spectacular show took place at the National Air and Space Museum, honoring the one-year anniversary of Cardin’s death. This event also marked the debut of the new collection designed by Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin and his creative studio.
The show was an immersive experience, held under grand tents situated at the base of the Ariane 5 rocket. It evoked the nostalgia of traditional fashion shows, with 850 guests braving the freezing Le Bourget weather in stylish mink coats and vibrant down jackets.
Lasting for an enthralling 50 minutes, the spectacle bathed attendees in mesmerizing lights and captivating sounds. Enormous screens showcased retro videos exhibiting Cardin’s iconic “space fashion” and the revolutionary “cosmocorps” style that originated in the late 1960s. It was an evening that celebrated Cardin’s lasting influence in the industry while embracing the future.
The first segment of the show paid homage to Cardin’s final designs before his passing. The retro-futuristic collection featured silhouettes reminiscent of Star Trek, complete with capes, flying saucer skirts, and dresses in lively, pop-inspired colors. This was followed by the presentation of the Cosmocorps 3022 collection, a continuation of Cardin’s groundbreaking work. Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, the couturier’s nephew and heir to his fashion empire, emphasized that this collection embodied the unmistakable Cardin style and essence.
To herald the arrival of “the new Cardin generation,” the creative studio enlisted several personalities who had profoundly influenced Cardin over three decades. Maryse Gaspard, the creative director and former muse of Cardin, played a pivotal role in the show. Images of individuals awestruck by a rocket launch at the French Guiana space center symbolized a rebirth for the fashion house.
The collection encompassed an impressive 180 different silhouettes, ranging from space warrior ensembles adorned with oversized Pierre Cardin logos to retro dresses inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. The models exuded a sci-fi aura, with pointed collars and shoulders reminiscent of costumes in the popular TV series V. The grand finale was particularly memorable, featuring a duo of space-alien models, one draped in a shimmering gold lamé suit, and the other dressed in a quirky Teletubbies-inspired gown, accompanied by a mesmerizing whirling dervish performance.
During the final photocall, prominent dinner guests such as Sylvana Lorenz, a close friend of Pierre Cardin, took center stage. Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin expressed immense gratitude for the collaborative effort put into organizing such a monumental show. He underscored the significance of upholding the legacy of the fashion house, as Cardin had desired, while also regaining control over the brand’s licenses.
With a presence in over 170 countries, the Pierre Cardin brand is poised for a creative revitalization. Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin stressed the need for a stronger market presence and a redefinition of the brand’s design direction. Every piece must embody the quintessential Cardin style, and the family is committed to preserving the brand’s enduring legacy.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve rapidly, Pierre Cardin’s influence remains at stratospheric heights. The show held at the National Air and Space Museum was a testament to Cardin’s visionary outlook, boundless creativity, and everlasting impact. The future of the brand lies at the foot of a rocket ship, ready to launch and captivate the world once again.
Useful links:
1. Official Pierre Cardin Website
2. National Air and Space Museum
