Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is an American fashion and lifestyle brand famous for its minimalist modern design. It was founded by namesake designer Calvin Klein in 1968 in New York. Over the years it has evolved from a retailer of high-end apparel to a global conglomerate with multiple licenses (notably for fragrances) and world-famous underwear.

Born and bred in The Bronx.. Calvin Richard Klein launched his first company with childhood friend Barry Schwartz. When Schwartz joined his family’s grocery business and gave Klein $10,000 he launched Calvin Klein Limited — a coat shop in York Hotel, New York — and inked a deal with department store Bonwit Teller for his debut collection of youthful elegant coats and dresses. Soon Bergdorf Goodman and Saks placed orders and Calvin Klein Ltd. reportedly grossed a million dollars in its first year of business. In September 1969 Calvin Klein appeared on the cover of Vogue. There was no looking back. 

In 1971 Klein added sportswear and womenswear, cultivating a minimalist look with fine fabric and sharp tailoring. Klein describes his style as ‘simple, comfortable stylish clothes—but with nothing over-scale or extreme.’ In 1973, and again in ’74 and ’75, he was honoured with Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award for his womenswear collection — the youngest recipient at that time. He then diversified into menswear and denim, and in 1978, reported a sale of two million pairs of jeans the first week it was on the market — he had built a designer-jeans trend by putting his logo on the back pocket.

Growth continued through the Eighties. The licensing program, which brought in $24,000 when it was initiated in 1974 had royalty income of reported $7.3 million a decade later. The same year, global retail sales were estimated at $60 million with the brand being retailed in the United States and available in Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan through licensing deals. Calvin Klein further diversified into a line of women’s boxers and men’s underwear which reportedly grossed $70 million in the first year. Shortly, the brand introduced a home line and consolidated business with fragrances ‘Obsession’, ‘Eternity’ and ‘CK One’.

Calvin Klein faced near-bankruptcy in the Nineties but was saved by a bailout from friend David Geffen. As Calvin Klein's head of menswear design, John Varvatos pioneered men's boxer briefs, became widely popular by a series of print campaigns featuring Mark Wahlberg; since, the briefs have been called "one of the greatest apparel revolutions of the century." So it came as a surprise when the company was up for sale and had been approached by LVMH, Pinault Printemps Redoute, Tommy Hilfiger Corp. and Italy’s Holding di Partecipazioni but nothing materialised because of the steep price tag. 

The brand was acquired by Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation in 2003 for reported $400 million in cash.. $30 million in stock and licensing rights and royalties linked to revenues over fifteen years. Initially, Klein stayed on as creative head, then as an advisor and gradually withdrew from the business. In August 2016 Raf Simons was named chief creative officer, overseeing the entire brand including womenswear, menswear, jeans, underwear and fragrance. It wasn't a lasting affair. Per The New York Times: 'Simons' departure comes "six months before his contract was due for renewal, and is effective immediately." No successor has been named and it's unclear what the next steps will be for either the brand or the designer.'

"Raf brought a unique point of view to American fashion and the CFDA wishes him future success" CFDA chief executive Steven Kolb told BoF. "Calvin Klein is an iconic American brand that will continue to flourish under new creative direction."

In February 2013, Warnaco Group was acquired by PVH which unified Calvin Klein formal, jeans, sports apparel and underwear. Worldwide retail sales of Calvin Klein brand exceeded reported $9 billion in 2019. The following year, PVH announced that as part of its animal welfare policy, the company would no longer use exotic skins and would be banning its use in Calvin Klein when the “annual update of that policy is released.”

Calvin Klein has long been celebrated for its ability to merge bold, progressive ideals with a distinct minimalist aesthetic, crafting a unique niche in the fashion industry. The fashion brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in its innovative approach to design and marketing. By embracing minimalist principles—clean lines, understated colors, and a focus on form rather than embellishment—Calvin Klein challenges conventional fashion norms and emphasizes a refined simplicity that feels both modern and timeless. 

Furthermore, Calvin Klein's seductive, sleek aesthetic serves as a canvas for the fashion brand’s progressive ideals, creating a dialogue between fashion and societal values. The brand’s designs often convey a sense of confidence and sophistication while remaining approachable and relatable. This duality enables Calvin Klein to appeal to a broad audience, resonating with individuals who value both style and substance. By maintaining this balance, Calvin Klein not only sustains its status as a fashion icon but also remains at the forefront of cultural conversations, continuously evolving while staying true to its core principles of innovation and simplicity.

Luxury fashion brand Calvin Klein’s vision focuses on achieving maximal elegance through restraint, embodying a sophisticated yet effortless style. The fashion brand’s designs are meticulously crafted to highlight the beauty of simplicity and the power of subtlety, allowing the wearer’s individuality to shine through without the distraction of excessive embellishments. By focusing on clean lines, precise tailoring, and high-quality materials, Calvin Klein creates fashion that feels both contemporary and timeless, seamlessly integrating into a modern lifestyle while maintaining a sense of classic elegance.

Calvin Klein’s vision celebrates the individual by offering designs that emphasize personal expression and authenticity. The fashion brand’s commitment to timelessness ensures that each piece is not only relevant today but can also endure beyond seasonal trends. This approach allows wearers to invest in garments that resonate with their personal style and values, enhancing their own sense of identity. By prioritizing versatile and enduring designs, Calvin Klein fosters a connection between the wearer and the garment that goes beyond mere fashion, making each piece a testament to individual elegance and personal expression.

Calvin Klein's product portfolio offers womenswear and menswear, encompassing everything from sleek, modern apparel to classic, timeless pieces. This core apparel line is complemented by a selection of fashion accessories that enhance the brand’s minimalist aesthetic, including high-quality leather goods such as belts and handbags, as well as stylish footwear. These accessories are designed to seamlessly integrate with the clothing collections, providing consumers with versatile options that enhance their overall style and elevate everyday outfits.

Calvin Klein has also expanded its product portfolio to include eyewear, fragrance, underwear, and a home line. The eyewear features both stylish and functional designs, reflecting the brand’s sophisticated yet understated style. Its fragrance line, known for its distinctive and often groundbreaking scents, has become a staple in the luxury perfume market, reinforcing Calvin Klein's image of elegance and allure. The underwear range is celebrated for its comfort and iconic designs, while the home line brings the brand's signature minimalist elegance into living spaces through refined textiles and décor. This broad spectrum of products allows Calvin Klein to cater to various aspects of a consumer’s life, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive lifestyle brand.