About the film
House of Cardin is a 2019 Franco/American documentary film directed by P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes. The film details the life and career of Pierre Cardin, the Italian-born French designer and futurist whose influence shaped the global economy and revolutionized the fashion industry.
Chronicling Cardin's humble beginnings, his immigration from Mussolini's Italy and his coming of age in Nazi occupied France, the young tailor arrives in Paris in 1945 and begins his enchanted entrée into the world of haute couture by way of Jeanne Paquin, Jean Cocteau, Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior. Opening his own house in 1950, Cardin eventually introduces prêt-à-porter and envisions future fashion. He establishes the power of the designer logo and takes his name in design to explore many avenues of lifestyle, including furniture, housewares and a record label.
A frustrated actor, Cardin transitions into overseeing the long-running experimental theater/cultural center Espace Cardin for half a century, as well as developing an annual music and theater Festival de Lacoste while expanding his brand globally. Cardin's personal relation with long-time partner Andre Oliver and his love affair with Jeanne Moreau are also explored.
From the film's Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).