KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Vest, Knickerbockers, Sweater

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

You can enlarge by putting the mouse cursor on the image.

Vest, Knickerbockers, Sweater

c. 1966

Designer
Pierre Cardin
Brand
(vest, knickerbockers) Pierre Cardin boutique, (sweater) Les Tricots de Pierre Cardin
Label
PIERRE CARDIN BOUTIQUE PARIS(vest) , LES TRICOTS DE PIERRE CARDIN(sweater)
Material
Dark red wool flannel vest with rolled collar, zipper and patent-leather belt and knickerbockers; white wool sweater.
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Richard Weller
Inventory Number(s)
AC10389 2000-42-9AD

This men's outfit by Pierre Cardin represents the 1960s' design, so-called the "unisex" concept. The front design with zippers was a step toward eliminating differences in style between the sexes.
Cardin, born in Italy, moved to France in 1924. After learning tailors' techniques, he studied Haute Couture, and founded his Haute Couture house in 1953. With an excellent ability to quickly identify underlying needs of the times, Cardin started a full-scale prêt-a-porter business in 1959. In 1960 he went into the men's clothes market, which had been monopolized by tailors except for casual wear. Cardin could foresee the "unisex" trend, and suggested a fashionable line of men's clothing by utilizing his techniques as tailor.

1960s