Founded in 1968 by the designer of the same name, Calvin Klein Inc. started as a modest coat shop in New York City. With an initial investment of just $10,000, Calvin Klein and his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz, embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of American fashion. Klein’s clean, minimalist, and sophisticated designs quickly caught the attention of the fashion elite, propelling the brand to nationwide fame by the 1970s.
The brand's breakthrough came with its revolutionized approach to jeans and underwear. Calvin Klein was not just selling clothing; he was selling an attitude, a sense of confident sexuality. The iconic 1980 advertisement featuring a young Brooke Shields and the provocative question, "You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing," became a cultural moment. It solidified the brand's daring marketing DNA and made Calvin Klein synonymous with sleek, premium basics.
Another cornerstone of the brand's identity is its fragrance line. The launch of ObsessionEternity
Today, Calvin Klein, under the ownership of PVH Corp., continues to be a global powerhouse. Its product range is vast, encompassing apparel, accessories, fragrance, and home goods. The brand’s aesthetic remains rooted in minimalism, modernity, and sensuality. To explore a curated and detailed list of their diverse product offerings, you can view this comprehensive product spreadsheet
From its humble beginnings to its status as a symbol of American minimalist chic, Calvin Klein's story is one of visionary design, controversial marketing, and an unwavering commitment to a specific aesthetic. It’s a brand that has consistently understood the cultural pulse, making it not just a label but a lasting icon in global fashion.