Calvin Klein is one of the most recognizable American fashion brands in the world, synonymous with minimalist, modern style. Since its founding in 1968, Calvin Klein has become a powerhouse brand spanning clothing, accessories, fragrances and home goods. Its sleek, sophisticated aesthetic epitomizes American style.
The Designer Himself
Calvin Klein founded his eponymous fashion house in 1968 initially as a coat shop in New York. Born in 1942 in the Bronx, the designer’s ascetic, unfussy aesthetic was evident from the start. His spare, refined collections of menswear and womenswear caught on quickly. Klein ushered in the era of pared-back, understated fashion.
By the 1970s, Calvin Klein was a leading American sportswear label. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and mix-and-match wearability defined the brand’s offerings. Klein’s clothes were casual yet elegant, perfectly capturing the modern, aspirational lifestyle of the times.
Rising Fame
Calvin Klein’s rise continued into the 80s and 90s. Groundbreaking ad campaigns often pushed boundaries and kept Calvin Klein in the spotlight. One iconic 1980 denim advert featured 15-year-old Brooke Shields declaring that “nothing” came between her and her Calvins.
In the 90s, Calvin Klein underwear ads helped launch the careers of Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss. Provocative yet chic, these ads cemented the brand’s reputation for sophisticated sexiness. By this point, the minimalist Calvin Klein aesthetic was popular worldwide.
Beyond Apparel
Beyond clothing, Calvin Klein also found immense success with fragrances like Obsession and Eternity throughout the 80s and 90s. The scents reflected the sleek, refined aesthetic of the brand.
Home furnishings also allowed consumers to experience Calvin Klein’s modern, luxurious vision in their everyday lives through bedding, towels and home accessories. The brand expanded while retaining its core identity.
Calvin Klein Today
Today, Calvin Klein has evolved into a global lifestyle empire, covering multiple fashion tiers. The CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC luxury line designed by Raf Simons offers high-end runway styles. Lower priced lines like CK Jeans and Underwear target mass audiences.
From jeans to coats, underwear to fragrances, the Calvin Klein brand exudes a singular, confident American style. Clean lines, sumptuous fabrics, minimalist tailoring and neutral palettes remain brand signatures. Calvin Klein’s restrained yet sensual vision continues influencing the world of fashion today.
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