How often do you get a sneak peak into the life of an internationally acclaimed fashion designer? If you’re the very private Pierre Cardin the answer is never. The House of Cardin is a goldmine for fashionistas, historians and BabyBoomers in particular. More than that the movie is a powerful, inspiring story that has so much to teach us about business, marketing, branding and getting on with life.

Approaching 100 years of age, Pierre Cardin has no interest in an writing an autobiography, which makes House of Cardin even more important.

Born to older parents Cardin actually hails from Italy not France.

Cardin’s designs, particular the early A-line dresses gave women freedom from years of constricting, structured outfits. His collections focused on bright modern colours. The aim was “fashion for the masses not the elite”. Not limited to women’s fashion, his male designs also turned heads, particularly the famous collar-less suits worn by the Beatles. Cardin’s influence was not limited to clothing, he designed accessories, furniture and was the first to employ multicultural models.

With his name on over 800 products, the movie also acts as a course on business and branding. Cardin never took out a loan for his business and the series of employee interview shows the business retained a tight group of loyal employees, a family approach.

While the movie includes interviews with the likes of Sharron Stone, Alice Cooper and Jean-Paul Gaultier it is the comments from Cardin himself that are the most insightful. Comments such as:

“It was the people working against me who contributed to constructing me.”

“Shock first, then the masses will follow.”

Describing himself as “demanding”, “never satisfied with myself”, Cardin says “what I start I like to finish”, and that he always asked himself the question, “does what I’m doing serve a purpose?” A question we could all do well to ask ourselves.

House of Cardin provides many life lessons amongst the beauty, including not being afraid to be or do something different; to get on with what you want to achieve; and the power of work to change the world.

“Working can make a person noble,” Pierre Cardin.

[French language, English subtitles]

For more information go to Luna Cinemas.

Rating 7.5 out of 10