With M. Cardin at his book signing event at the Assouline shop in The Plaza hotel

Pierre Cardin is truly a living legend–and at the venerable age of 88, he decided to come to New York to celebrate 60 years of astounding work.

The celebration began at a book-signing cocktail party at the Assouline shop in The Plaza. A small crowd waited patiently in line to have M. Cardin sign copies of his book, which will surely become a cherished item for future collectors. It was a great honor and pleasure to see M. Cardin again, and he wrote a very poignant message inside my copy and dedicated it to me. It was also lovely to catch up with Prosper and Martine Assouline and to meet the dedicated team that’s worked with M. Cardin for decades.

Coincidently, that night I also attended an opening at NP Contemporary Gallery presenting GLAMOROUS by Robert W. Richards. His theme was glamour, redefined–and with a title like that, I just had to go. Also, I’d met Robert at the NYCB gala last year and found him absolutely charming. Funnily enough, Robert was wearing a vintage Pierre Cardin jacket custom-made for him in the ’70s. It certainly suited him well!

Photograph by André Maier

Photograph by André Maier

Photograph by André Maier

Photograph by André Maier

Pierre Cardin and his team take a turn on the runway at the close of the show Photograph by Wai Ng

Indeed, the Pierre Cardin celebration continued all week, and on Friday, at Milk Studios, M. Cardin showed an extensive retrospective presented as a runway show. There were lots of familiar looks, and plenty of innovation, too. But my favorites were the long gowns: elegant, simple and chic.

With M. Cardin after his show Photograph by Wai Ng

Stephane Israël was brought in from Paris to oversee the makeup for the show Photograph by André Maier

An extraordinary piece from the Pierre Cardin archives Photograph by Wai Ng

With Michelle Harper (wearing vintage Pierre Cardin sunglasses) Photograph by Wai Ng

Those who really love fashion came out for M. Cardin: Marisa Berenson, Michelle Harper, Victor de Souza, Michele Gerber Klein and many young, aspiring artists who admire M. Cardin’s work.

Even models from the show stopped in at the cocktail party for a drink and a good time Photograph by Wai Ng

Happy revelers at the Pierre Cardin post-show party Photograph by Wai Ng

Roxanne Lowitt’s shots of Galliano’s work chez Dior were appropriate: Cardin worked at Dior early on Photograph by Wai Ng

After the show, there was a lovely cocktail reception in the main floor gallery space of Milk Studios. It was a very nice touch that allowed guests to mingle and pay tribute to this extraordinary man.