In 1958 Pierre Cardin went to Toykyo and ended up staying a month - he met his longtime muse, model Hiroko Matsumoto, who he invited to France in 1960, and made history when she became the first Japanese model to walk in the Paris collections. While there he also inked a deal with the department store Takashimaya, which led to Pierre Cardin becoming the first Western brand to be manufactured and designed specifically for the Japanese market. That collaboration still exists to today.

Here we have one of two suits I have in the shop from the early days of that groundbreaking collaboration - this one a gorgeous little blue coated linen number that has shows the early beginnings of what was to come in terms of his signature "space age" style. The skirt is a chic little pencil silhouette with the slightest of flares as it nears the hem. The top is chic and simple with a high collar and chic little cap sleeves. The cut through the body is simple and like the skirt slightly flares as it nears the hem. Onto the top is a padded and top stitched "diamond" of fabric and two more adorn the skirt. When on these form a little line of diamonds that is quite fabulous. The fabric choice is heavy enough to hold the shape but not so heavy as to be cumbersome when on. I suspect that this is a very early piece from the collaboration and an excellent example of what was to come on terms of his later work. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined in a deep blue silk and the top is unlined but finished to high standards inside. The top closes with a fine, back painted metal zipper and completely unzips. The skirt closes with a fine, back painted metal zipper. Each of the diamonds appliques are open at the top so are actually functional little pockets!

Top
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 18.5" from waist to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2216

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.