Calvin Klein. You’ve probably heard the name a thousand times. They have been a leading fashion brand for decades and boast 141 stores worldwide. They have collaborated with the world's most prestigious and exclusive celebrities of all time from Kate Moss to Justin Bieber and are renowned for their iconic branding. A household name that is instantly recognisable.
but how did Calvin Klein start?
Read on to discover the beginnings of the CK empire, the person behind the name, and how Calvin Klein shot to stardom, as well as a roundup of our favourite Calvin Klein watches. Discover how they came to become one of the biggest brands in fashion and how you can also rock your very own Calvin Klein products.
Overview:
- Who is Calvin Klein?
- How Calvin Klein Started
- What does Calvin Klein sell?
- Our Favourite Calvin Klein Watches
Who is Calvin Klein?
Calvin Klein is an American fashion designer born in the Bronx, New York in 1942. Klein was influenced by his mother, who was extremely passionate about art and fashion. As a kid, Klein spent his time teaching himself to sketch and sew – inspired by clothes he would see in discount shops around New York City. He went on to graduate from New York City’s Institute of Technology in 1962 and worked as an apprentice sketching designs from the European runways.
At the time, plagiarising work was the norm in fashion and American designers were struggling to form original ideas - which Klein was determined to change. Although he was still working at his father’s grocery store, and broke, he dreamt of starting his own company. This dream eventually became the fashion empire that is now known as “Calvin Klein Ltd.”
What is Calvin Klein known for?
Klein’s casual-chic style brought the dwindling American fashion industry onto par with Paris, and he created a designer jeans trend in the 1970s that boosted his company into a household name. Then in the 1980s, Klein shocked the world with controversial advertising. 16-year-old Brooke Shields asked the world: ‘You know what gets between me and my Calvins? Nothing.’ - it was shocking, and the public wasn’t impressed - or were they?
Entrepreneur reports that in a single week following the campaign, CK sold 200,000 pairs of their iconic jeans. Klein was selling more than just a product; it was a lifestyle. And people loved it, perhaps part of it was young people yearning for rebellion, or simply a need to be part of something bigger than themselves. Nevertheless, it worked and revolutionised marketing campaigns to this day.
Today, Calvin Klein is a “global lifestyle brand that exemplifies bold, progressive ideals and a seductive, and often minimal aesthetic” (2022). They continue to act as a cultural catalyst that embodies authenticity and individuality. He describes his design philosophy as the marking of “simple, comfortable but stylish clothes - but with nothing overscale or extreme.”
How Calvin Klein Started
The story of Calvin Klein’s rise to the top is a true rags-to-riches tale, taking him from his native New York City to Paris and back. His signature jeans, underwear and fragrance lines have taken the world by storm, establishing their namesake as an icon of fashion.
When was Calvin Klein founded?
Calvin Klein was founded in 1968 when he was just 26 years old. With his childhood friend Barry Schwartz in hand and only $12,000 between them - Klein founded his company, Calvin Klein Ltd. Their first order came about by complete accident when a coat-buyer from department store ‘Bonwit Teller’ stepped onto the wrong floor and into Klein’s studio, where he was working on a line of trench coats.
The buyer was so impressed with the uniqueness of the designs, he placed a $50k order and stated, “tomorrow you will have been discovered.” And he was right. The order from Bonwit, along with a glorious editorial in vogue skyrocketed the designer’s career into what it is today.
What does Calvin Klein sell?
Calvin sells a variety of products from womenswear, menswear, underwear, perfume, bags, homewares, and accessories such as watches and jewellery. Their product list is ever-expanding, with each category encompassing the signature Calvin Klein branding and aesthetic with minimalistic designs and block colours.
Our Favourite Calvin Klein Watches
With Calvin Klein watches for men and women, Shiels has an extensive range of these classic timepieces for everyone. Check out our favourite options below!
Calvin Klein 25200045 Modern Blue Sunray Dial Men's Watch
This gorgeous silver watch is a staple design that is completely versatile. With a sleek silver mesh band and modern blue dial in a clean stainless-steel finish, this watch is an everyday staple, and can not be missed.
$249.00
A simple yet classic piece, this Calvin Klein 25200045 Modern Blue Sunray Dial Mens Watch is striking in its minimalistic design. The band features a mesh stainless steel bracelet that is both comfortable and professional. The dial features a simple… read moreCalvin Klein 25200045 Modern Blue Sunray Dial Mens Watch
Calvin Klein 25200003 Timeless Mesh Women's Watch
This stylish gold women's watch is a classic design, with a perfect combination of texture and smoothness. The simplicity of the watch is delicate, yet clean and practical. When it comes to Calvin Klein watches for women, this one is not to be missed.
Calvin Klein 25200135 Minimalistic Women's Watch
This minimalistic rose gold watch is timeless, with light links and a clean watch face. The beauty is in the details with small stones embedded into a gorgeous pale pink face.
