Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin is one of the most recognizable and iconic names in the world of fashion, gaining fame for his avant-garde style and innovative shapes and designs.

The Italian-born, French designer joined the Parisian House of Paquin after World War II and designed the costumes for Jean Cocteau's film Beauty and the Beast.

He later set up his own fashion house and created the first ready-to-wear collection for women by a top designer, followed by the first designer ready-to-wear collection for men.

He was the first couturier to turn to Japan as a high fashion market.

Cardin has been decorated as a Commander of the Légion d'Honneur in France, the nation's highest honor. He is also a member of the Académie Française and the Académie des Beaux Arts.

Cardin was named an FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 2009. “You can count on my personal engagement to support FAO in its noble and necessary mission in the fight against hunger,” he said.

His contributions have included dedicating one of his fashion shows in Rome to FAO, in order to raise awareness of hunger and poverty.