Pierre Cardin, Iconic French Designer, Dies at 98
A licensing maverick, Cardin's name embossed thousands of products from wristwatches to bed sheets, and in the brand's heyday in the 1970s and '80s, goods bearing his fancy cursive signature were sold at some 100,000 outlets worldwide.That number dwindled dramatically in later years, as his products were increasingly regarded as cheaply made and his clothing — which, decades later, remained virtually unchanged from its 60s-era styles — felt almost laughably dated.A savvy businessman, Cardin used the fabulous wealth that was the fruit of his empire to snap up top-notch properties in Paris, including the Belle Epoque restaurant Maxim's, which he also frequented.The Fine Arts Academy announced his death in a tweet Tuesday.