Cosmic Couture

The departure of Pierre Cardin from Christian Dior’s atelier in 1950 marked—in fashion terms, at least—a small step for one man but a giant leap for womankind. Where Mr. Dior’s designs encapsulated all that was great about classic Parisian style, the debut Pierre Cardin collection, “Cosmos,” looked to the future with its tunic dresses, plastic visors and Pantone colors. Cardin soon became known as the ultimate swinging sixties designer, wowing with his trapeze coats, ski-jump shoulders and helmet-like headgear. Now the head of an empire that encompasses fashion, furniture and fragrance, his achievements as a designer and formidable businessman are celebrated in Pierre Cardin: 60 Years of Innovation, out this month from Assouline.