Daily Front Row

2010 February 2

FGI's Ode to a French Legend

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Pierre Cardin
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(NEW YORK) Pierre Cardin has so revolutionized the industry that generations of designers have modelled their careers on this French master's business trajectory. And now, the fashion world will be able to pay tribute in person. Cardin is celebrating the 60^th anniversary of his brand this year, and appropriately, he will receive the highly-coveted Superstar award from Fashion Group International on October 28^th in New York City. Past winners include Valentino, presented by Meryl Streep, Jean Paul Gaultier, presented by Kerry Washington, Donatella Versace, presented by Jennifer Lopez and Prince, and last year’s reigning king Oscar de la Renta, who accepted the award from Vogue’s Grace Coddington and Hamish Bowles.

Expect an evening full of accolades and memories. From his early start in 1946 as a designer underneath Christian Dior, Cardin has been known as a master of invention. His first? The so-called "bubble dress" in 1954. Thanks to over 800 licensees, the Cardin name is found on everything from accessories, clothing, furniture, cologne, perfume and luggage to sardines and even orthopedic mattresses. The past ten years have brought Cardin additional developments such as the launch of his magazine entitled Parfums et Senteurs, new perfumes Emotion, Revelation, and Tristan & Yseult, numerous retrospective collections and exhibits, and most recently, the prestigious CFDA International Award in 2007.
MARIA DENARDO