In 1983, French fashion designer Pierre Cardin recorded and drew his ideas to prepare a fashion show for his brand.

• Pierre Cardin's handwritten work behind a fashion design.
• In French.
• One sheet, front (handwritten) and back (printed with some handwritten notes).
• 21 cm x 29.7 cm.
• Paris, 1983.
• Excellent condition.
• Unique piece.

Pierre Cardin, the son of humble Italian farmers, began his fashion career in France in 1936. After collaborating with the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior, he founded his own haute couture house in 1950. Cardin revolutionized the industry by democratizing luxury fashion and introducing futuristic styles. In the 1970s, he expanded into untapped markets such as Russia and China. His bold approach quickly established his brand globally, with hundreds of stores and factories and thousands of employees. Pierre Cardin, who passed away in 2020, left a lasting legacy as one of France’s most celebrated designers.

Here we have a full page of handwritten notes by Pierre Cardin, accompanied by a printed drawing of his; the signature is also printed, but the handwritten notes are in his own hand. In fact, Cardin would often request several printed copies of his original drawings from his team, allowing him to write or annotate them at will. To prepare new collections and fashion shows, Cardin would organize fittings in his studio, where he would closely observe the models walking in his unfinished creations (dresses, coats, accessories, etc.), and together with his assistants, he would make adjustments. This process also generated new ideas that he would promptly write down.

Although Cardin’s handwriting is difficult to read, this exceptional document perfectly illustrates his creative process, with a list of spontaneous ideas interspersed with small illustrative drawings. Fashion drawings by renowned French designers who have become global luxury brands are rare and increasingly prized.