From Bronx Beginnings to Fashion Innovator
Calvin Richard Klein was born in 1942 in the Bronx, New York, and trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology([Wikipedia][1], [Encyclopedia Britannica][2]). In **1968**, with just \$10,000 and a vision for pared-back elegance, he founded Calvin Klein Limited—a modest coat shop located in the York Hotel([The Business of Fashion][3], [Wikipedia][4]). Within months, his line debuted in *Vogue*, launching his reputation for sleek, understated design([The Business of Fashion][3], [Wikipedia][4]).
2. The Rise of a Minimalist Empire
By 1977, sales had soared to $30 million**, and the brand had expanded into sportswear, lingerie, scarves, and bedding—all under Calvin’s clean aesthetic umbrella. A groundbreaking moment came in **1978**, when designer jeans featuring the CK logo on the back pocket sold 200,000 pairs in their first week
Scandalous Ads That Shaped Pop Culture
Perhaps more than its clothing, Calvin Klein became iconic for its daring advertising. The infamous Brooke Shields campaign declaring, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins,” and the steamy underwear ads with Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg, redefined sensual visual marketing and transformed both fashion and celebrity culture.
4. Expanding into Fragrance and Gender-Neutral Territory
In the 1990s, CK harnessed its minimalist ethos in fragrance. Launching **CK One** in **1994**, the brand introduced the first widely popular unisex scent, earning rapid commercial and cultural success. Other iconic scents like *Obsession* and *Eternity* further solidified its olfactory legacy([perfectceline.com – perfectceline.com
5. Challenges and a Strategic Revival Under PVH**
In the early 2000s, the brand hit financial turbulence. In **2002**, Calvin sold his company to **PVH Corp.**, which injected new structure and scale—eventually unifying Calvin Klein lines under one roof and propelling revenues into the multi-billion-dollar range
6. Re-emerging on the Runway
In **2025**, Calvin Klein returned triumphantly to New York Fashion Week after a six-year absence. Under the creative direction of **Veronica Leoni**, the show channeled the brand’s classic ‘90s minimalism—tailored, architectural, and elegantly restrained
Leveraging Influencers and Crafting Cultural Moments**
The brand continues to make waves via high-impact campaigns. With figures like Jungkook, Kendall Jenner, and Jeremy Allen White fronting provocative ads, CK’s marketing remains rooted in cultural dialogue—boosting both awareness and sales, particularly for its underwear lines([The Wall Street Journal][13]). A recent highlight is the denim campaign featuring **SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu**, bringing 90s-inspired vintage flair to modern wardrobe staples([Teen Vogue][14]).