Calvin Klein
(1942 - )
Calvin Klein was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 19, 1942. Klein received his formal arts education at the High School of Industrial Arts Institute of Technology in New York, where he studied fashion design.
Klein's first significant assignment was with Seventh Avenue coat and suit manufacturer Dan Millstein.
He worked for Dan Millstein for two years (1962-1964). Klein started as a pattern cutter and further advanced to becoming a fashion designer. He then worked for Halton, Ltd. where his talent was recognized. Klein would form a a new label with boyhood friend Barry Schwartz, creating a collection of coats and suits. Bonwit Teller gave Calving Klein Limited its first major order, and with it, the firm gained its position in the industry. His designs were known for their classic lines and uncluttered looks. He integrated elements of active sportswear into his collections.
In 1973, Calvin Klein won his first Coty Award, the youngest recipient ever to receive that honor.He won again in 1974, and in 1975 he was inducted into the Coty Hall of Fame. In 1982, 1983, and 1986 he also won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award, (CFDA). He was the first designer to present a pair of jeans on the runway. Klein and photographer Richard Avedon promoted Klein’s line of jeans in a controversial and ingenious advertising campaign using young model Brooke Shields; bringing him amazing success. In the 1980s, Klein launched a line of underwear that had his name embroidered into the elastic waistband. The ad campaign promoting this line appealed to jocks, gays, and women. He introduced his perfume line with his fragrance Obsession.
Klein and his partner Barry Schwartz sold Calvin Klein Inc., to Phillips Van Heusen in December 2002, one of the world’s largest apparel companies.In 2004, he signed a licensing agreement with Marvin Richards to manufacture and distribute a new line of outerwear. In 2005, Calving Klein, Inc. entered into an agreement with Fingen S.p.A. to manufacture and distribute the Calvin Klein collection brand women’s and men’s designer collections and accessories. Tod’s S.p.A. is presently the licensee for Calving Klein jeans in Europe and Asia and CK (Calvin Klein Bridge) in Europe. He also has signed a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel to manufacture and distribute women’s better suits under the Calvin Klein label. Brazilian Francisco Costa holds the role of creative director for the women's collection and Italo Zucchelli for the men’s collection. His vast empire in fashion includes apparel and a range of products that is manufactured and marketed through a variety of license agreements.
