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2024-04-25 01:58:16

Calvin Klein

American fashion designer and founder of Calvin Klein Inc.
American fashion designer and founder of Calvin Klein Inc.

Calvin Richard Klein, born in 1942, is a renowned American fashion designer. He established Calvin Klein Inc. in 1968, known for clothing, perfumes, watches, and jewelry.

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1942-11-08
Birth of Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein, the renowned fashion designer, was born in the Bronx, New York.

1942-11-19
Birth of Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein, the American fashion designer, was born on November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York City, to an Austria-Hungarian Jewish family.

1959-05-19
Calvin Klein attends Fashion Institute of Technology

Calvin Klein enrolled in the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in 1959 and completed his studies in 1962.

1964
Calvin Klein's First Marriage to Jayne Centre

In 1964, Calvin Klein married Jayne Centre and they had a daughter named Marci. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1974.

1967-12-28
Calvin Klein Ltd Incorporation

Calvin Klein officially incorporated his company, Calvin Klein Ltd, with Barry Schwartz as a partner, leaving out his childhood friend Abe Morenstein. This event marked the beginning of the official establishment of the iconic fashion brand.

1968-05-17
Establishment of Calvin Klein's First Company

On May 17, 1968, Calvin Klein founded his first company. This marked the beginning of his successful career in the fashion industry.

1969-09
Calvin Klein Designs on American Vogue Cover

In September 1969, Calvin Klein's designs made their appearance on the cover of American Vogue, gaining significant recognition.

1970-05-19
Founding of Calvin Klein Inc.

Calvin Klein Inc. was established by Calvin Klein and Barry Schwartz. Schwartz managed the business aspects while Klein focused on design.

1971
Expansion of Klein's Women's Collection

In 1971, Calvin Klein expanded his women's collection to include sportswear, classic blazers, and lingerie.

1973
Launch of Klein's Women's Sportswear Line

In 1973, Calvin Klein unveiled a complete line of women's sportswear, marking a significant moment in American fashion history.

1974
Calvin Klein designed signature jeans

In 1974, Calvin Klein designed tight-fitting signature jeans that made $200,000 in their first week of sales.

1975
Third Consecutive Coty Award

Calvin Klein received his third consecutive Coty Award in 1975, making him the only designer to achieve this feat, showcasing his exceptional talent and influence in the fashion industry.

1976
Introduction of Calvin Klein Jeans

In 1976, Calvin Klein introduced a slim-fitting pair of jeans with his brand name embroidered on the back pocket, making jeans a high fashion item.

1977
Kidnapping of Klein's daughter Marci

In 1977, Calvin Klein's daughter Marci was kidnapped on her way to school. Klein paid a $100,000 ransom for her release, and she was returned safely. The kidnappers, including her babysitter Paule Ransay, Ransay’s half-brother Dominique, and his friend Cecil Wiggins, were arrested shortly after.

1978
Calvin Klein Jeans Launch

In 1978, Calvin Klein Jeans was introduced through a licensing agreement with Puritan. This marked the beginning of Calvin Klein's iconic denim line.

1980-05-18
Kidnapping of Marci Klein

In 1980, Marci Klein, daughter of fashion designer Calvin Klein, was kidnapped for a $100,000 ransom. The kidnappers were later arrested.

1980-05-19
Release of Designer Jeans

In May 1980, Calvin Klein released a new line of designer jeans, adding to the brand's fashion offerings.

1981
Launch of Calvin for Men fragrance

In 1981, Calvin Klein introduced his first men's fragrance, Calvin for Men, marking a significant milestone in the brand's product line expansion.

1982-01-18
Calvin Klein, King of Clothes

In January 18, 1982, People magazine featured an article about Calvin Klein, highlighting his prominent position in the fashion industry as the 'King of Clothes'.

1982-05-18
Calvin Klein's Expansion into Designer Underwear Market

On May 18, 1982, Calvin Klein made a significant move by entering the designer underwear market with the introduction of designer boxers and briefs.

1983
Expansion to women's underwear and acquisition of Puritan

By 1983, Calvin Klein had added women's underwear to the product line and acquired Puritan, its jeans licensee, for $68 million, further solidifying the brand's presence in the fashion industry.

1984
Calvin Klein's Philosophy on Fashion

In 1984, Calvin Klein expressed his fashion philosophy in an interview with WWD, emphasizing simplicity, sensuality, sophistication, and modernity.

1985
Launch of Calvin Klein's Obsession Fragrance

In 1985, Calvin Klein launched the Obsession fragrance, which became a significant success. The fragrance was backed by a substantial advertising budget of $13 million, leading to immediate popularity and high sales.

1986-09
Second Marriage to Kelly Rector

In September 1986, Calvin Klein married his assistant Kelly Rector in Rome. She later became a well-known socialite photographer. The couple separated in 1996 and officially divorced in April 2006.

1988-08
The Latest Calvin by Michael Gross

In August 8, 1988, NY Magazine published 'The Latest Calvin' by Michael Gross, providing insights into Calvin Klein's latest developments and contributions to the fashion world.

1989
Minnetonka Corp. sold to Unilever plc

In 1989, the Minnetonka Corp. was sold to a subsidiary of Unilever plc, transferring ownership of the Klein beauty business to the Anglo-Dutch giant. This acquisition had significant implications for the beauty industry.

1990-05-18
Receiving Council of Fashion Designers of America award for mens and womens lines

In May 18, 1990, Calvin Klein was honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for both his mens and womens clothing lines.

1991
Calvin Klein received American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award

In 1991, Calvin Klein received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award.

1992
Kate Moss featured in Calvin Klein underwear ads

In 1992, Calvin Klein featured Kate Moss in a series of underwear ads alongside 'Marky' Mark Wahlberg, which turned Moss into a household name.

1993
Kate Moss poses nude for Obsession ads

In 1993, Kate Moss posed nude for Obsession ads, drawing attention for her waifish frame and contributing to the 'heroin chic' era in modeling.

1994
Launch of CK One Fragrance

Calvin Klein introduced the unisex CK One fragrance as part of the cK line, aiming to appeal to a fresh youth subculture with a grungy edge. This groundbreaking launch included jeans and underwear.

1995-05-18
Modeling Scandal

On May 18, 1995, Calvin Klein faced criticism for his sexually suggestive ad campaigns.

1996
Calvin Klein 1996

Calvin Klein 1996 is a collection by the renowned fashion brand that was released in the year 1996.

1997
Calvin Klein Inc. partners with SMH for Calvin Klein watches

In 1997, Calvin Klein Inc. collaborated with Swiss watchmaker SMH to obtain a license for the sale of Calvin Klein watches.

1998-06
Calvin Klein Spring 1998 Collection

The Calvin Klein Spring 1998 collection was showcased during the fashion season of June 1998, featuring the brand's signature minimalist and modern aesthetic.

1999
Calvin Klein Controversial Ad Campaign

In 1999, Calvin Klein faced backlash for an ad campaign featuring children in underwear. The Mario Testino-shot photos were criticized for being potentially inappropriate, leading to a nationwide outrage.

2000-06
Calvin Klein Sues Warnaco for Trademark Violations

In June 2000, Calvin Klein sued Warnaco, his biggest licensee, for federal trademark violations and unauthorized distribution of CK Jeanswear product, demanding the license back.

2001-01-22
Settlement between Calvin Klein and Warnaco

In 2001, just days before the start of a jury trial in federal court, CKI unilaterally ended Warnaco’s Calvin Klein Jeanswear license, leading to a legal dispute. However, on January 22, Calvin Klein and Linda Wachner, Warnaco’s CEO, reached a last-minute settlement, allowing Warnaco to retain the Calvin Klein Jeanswear license until 2044.

2002-12
Sale of Calvin Klein Inc to Phillips Van Heusen Corp

In mid-December 2002, Calvin Klein Inc was sold to Phillips Van Heusen Corp for approximately $400 million in cash and $30 million in stock, along with licensing rights and royalties, marking a significant business deal.

2003-05-18
Van Heusen

In May 18, 2003, Calvin Klein was involved with Van Heusen in a business context.

2004
Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2004 Presentation

After Klein stepped down as chief designer, three new designers were appointed to oversee the brand's Collection business. The new designers, Francisco Costa, Italo Zucchelli, and Ulrich Grimm, presented their spring 2004 lines along with Kevin Carrigan's collection.

2005-05
Calvin Klein Cosmetics Company acquired by Coty Inc.

In May 2005, the Calvin Klein Cosmetics Company, previously owned by Unilever, was purchased by Coty Inc., leading to a change in ownership of the brand's cosmetic line.

2006-02
Calvin Klein's Consulting Agreement Ended

In February 2006, CKI decided not to renew Calvin Klein's three-year consulting agreement, leading to the designer no longer having any formal relationship with the company.

2006-03
Calvin Klein Collection store in Paris closed

The Calvin Klein Collection store in Paris was closed by PVH in March 2006.

2007-12
Launch of Calvin Klein Golf

Calvin Klein Golf was launched in late 2007, expanding the brand's offerings to include golf-related products.

2008
Calvin Klein's Longevity in Fashion Industry

In 2008, Bridget Foley highlighted Calvin Klein's enduring influence in the fashion world, contrasting it with other designers like Halston who faded away, emphasizing Klein's consistent power and relevance.

2009-09
Calvin Klein Fall 2009 Collection

The Calvin Klein Fall 2009 collection was presented during the autumn season of September 2009, showcasing the brand's timeless and sophisticated designs.

2010-02-11
Calvin Klein cameo in 30 Rock

Calvin Klein made a cameo appearance in season 3, episode 15 ('The Bubble') of the television series 30 Rock.

2010-07-25
Closure of Calvin Klein Store at Natick Collection

The Calvin Klein store at Natick Collection in Natick, MA closed down on July 25, 2010.

2011-04
Opening of Calvin Klein Underwear Boutique in Cardiff

A Signature Calvin Klein Underwear boutique opened in Cardiff in April 2011.

2012-11-20
Settlement of Lululemon Lawsuit

On November 20, 2012, Lululemon filed a notice of voluntary dismissal in the Delaware courts based on a private settlement agreement with Calvin Klein and G-III Apparel Group, leading to the dismissal of the lawsuit.

2013-02
Acquisition of Warnaco Group by PVH

PVH acquired Warnaco Group for US$2.8 billion, bringing together Calvin Klein formal, underwear, jeans, and sportswear lines.

2014
#MyCalvins Campaign Launch on Instagram

Calvin Klein launched the #MyCalvins campaign on Instagram in 2014, which quickly gained popularity among celebrities and influencers. The campaign generated over 100,000 posts under its hashtag within the first year, showcasing the brand's strong presence on social media.

2015
Justin Bieber and Lara Stone Calvin Klein Campaign

In 2015, Justin Bieber and Lara Stone starred in a Calvin Klein campaign featuring black-and-white photographs reminiscent of the iconic Mark Wahlberg/Kate Moss campaign from the '80s. Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in New York City, the ads showcased the duo in bold poses wearing key pieces from the jeans and underwear spring collections.

2016-04
Departure of Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli from Calvin Klein

In April 2016, it was announced that both Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli would be leaving Calvin Klein.

2016-08
Appointment of Raf Simons as Chief Creative Officer of Calvin Klein

In August 2016, Calvin Klein, Inc. announced the appointment of Raf Simons as Chief Creative Officer, overseeing all design aspects of the brand globally.

2016-09
Francisco Costa's last women's show for Calvin Klein

Fall 2016 witnessed Francisco Costa's final women's show for Calvin Klein. This event marked the end of an era for Costa at the fashion house.

2016-12
Departure of Amy Mellen from Calvin Klein

In December 2016, it was announced that Amy Mellen would be leaving Calvin Klein.

2018-12-21
Raf Simons Leaves Calvin Klein Inc.

On December 21, 2018, Calvin Klein Inc. announced that Raf Simons was departing from the company, just 28 months into his role and eight months before his contract was set to end. The decision was made due to a shift in brand direction that did not align with Simons' creative vision.

2019-01
Closure of Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Business

In January 2019, Calvin Klein decided to close its high-end designer collection, 205W39NYC, and announced that it would not continue with a traditional collection business.

2019-02
Calvin Klein Digital-First Model Launch

In February 2019, Calvin Klein implemented a digital-first, socially amplified marketing model, marking a significant shift in their advertising strategy.

2019-06
Cheryl Abel-Hodges Named CEO of Calvin Klein

In June 2019, Cheryl Abel-Hodges took over as the CEO of Calvin Klein, replacing Steve Shiffman who had been in the position since 2014.

2019-10
Marie Gulin-Merle leaves Calvin Klein Inc. and PVH Corp.

In October 2019, Marie Gulin-Merle, the chief marketing officer of Calvin Klein Inc. and chief digital officer of PVH Corp., announced her departure from the company. She was responsible for leading PVH's global digital strategy and transformation across its brands.

2020-11
Jessica Lomax appointed Global Head of Design at Calvin Klein

In November 2020, Jessica Lomax was appointed as the Global Head of Design at Calvin Klein, where she leads the global design strategy and provides creative direction across all aspects of the business.

2021-11-01
Calvin Klein Mobile Program Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions governing the use of the Calvin Klein Mobile Program in the United States and Puerto Rico provided by PVH Corp. It includes consent to receive text messages related to the program.

2022-11
PVH ends licensing agreements with G-III Apparel for Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger

In November 2022, PVH announced its decision to terminate licensing agreements with G-III Apparel group for Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger women’s wholesale apparel in the U.S. by 2027. This move was significant as the two brands contributed to almost half of G-III Apparel's sales in 2022.

2022-12
Eva Serrano appointed as global brand president of Calvin Klein

Eva Serrano was named the global brand president of Calvin Klein in December 2022. With a background of 20 years at Inditex and Zara, she now reports to Larsson, marking a key leadership change within the company.

2023-01
Donald Kohler becomes president of Calvin Klein Americas

In January 2023, Donald Kohler was selected as the president of Calvin Klein Americas, reporting to Larsson. This appointment signified a strategic move in the leadership structure of the brand.

2023-03
Jung Kook named Global Brand Ambassador for Calvin Klein

In March 2023, BTS member Jung Kook was appointed as the global brand ambassador for Calvin Klein Jeans and Underwear.

2023-09
Calvin Klein to Open New Store in Paris

In September 2023, Calvin Klein announced plans to open a new store at 44 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris in 2024.

2024-04-26
Extra 20% off with code FLASH20 Promotion

A promotion offering an extra 20% off on purchases with the code FLASH20. The promotion ends on April 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT. Discount is applied at checkout.

2024-04-29
Mid-Season Sale: Up to 40% Off Sitewide Promotion

Mid-Season sale offering up to 40% off sitewide. The promotion ends on April 29, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT. Prices are as marked.

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Calvin Klein

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Calvin Klein

American fashion designer and founder of Calvin Klein Inc.
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