The founder of this brand is called the main minimalist of all time. The brand itself is associated worldwide with sexuality, challenge and scandal.
Calvin Klein is not just a popular brand of clothing and underwear, it is a real embodiment of grace and inner freedom that does not have frames.
A little about the founder of the company
Calvin Klein was born in 1942, and, according to family legend, in his childhood he already realized that he wanted to be a designer.
The boy’s dreams came true - at the age of 18 he graduated from the High School of Art and Design, then entered the New York Fashion Institute of Technology.
At the beginning of his career, he worked in various fashion houses in New York as an assistant, but rather soon he was tired of being in the backyard.
In 1964 he married, his daughter was born with his wife, but after 10 years the marriage broke up.
In 1968, he founded his own company and created his first collection for the money he borrowed from a friend, Barry Schwartz, who eventually became his companion.
As Kelvin himself said, In the US, everyone has a chance if he has the necessary abilities and the desire to work hard. In Klein, and that, and the other was in abundance, which became his formula for success.
The 70s were marked for him by stormy parties and bohemian parties, which he soon tired of. In the late 80s he married his assistant Kelly Rector, however, in 2006 this marriage also came to an end.
Having gone a long way, in 2003 the designer retired and went on a well-deserved rest. Today he leads a healthy lifestyle, loves to visit restaurants of exotic cuisine and just enjoys life.
Brand history
Initially Calvin Klein Ltd. was a studio engaged in sewing men's classic clothing in the face of Klein himself. It was located in one of the New York hotels, which, according to legend, was a great success for a novice designer.
Once the owner of a fashionable boutique, which was on the floor above, made a mistake with the elevator button and wandered into the atelier to the young Kelvin. He was so impressed by the collection of clothes he saw that he immediately ordered 50 thousand dollars. Perhaps if this fateful meeting had not happened, everything would have been different for a designer. It is thanks to her that he received the opportunity from the very beginning of his career to use money for his own pleasure and create truly incredible things.
A year later, Klein became known in the bohemian get-together of New York and even himself starred for a glossy magazine. These were crazy years of life, according to the designer himself, who were accompanied by lots of parties, alcohol and drugs. However, surprisingly, it had no effect on his performance, and in 1970 he decided to launch a line of clothes for women.
Taking the classic men's jacket as a basis, he creates a PerCoat coat that sets the tone for fashion trends of that time for a long time. Today, this model is known to us as a pea coat - a double-breasted short coat that never goes out of fashion.
In 1978, a turning point in the history of the brand. Kelvin had long before realized that jeans were a piece of clothing that was unfairly deprived of the attention of famous designers.
Up to this point, denim trousers have all been associated with work clothes, and it was Calvin Klein who made the fashionable revolution, releasing the first brand jeans. They have become a symbol of nobility and sexuality, and now every American woman of fashion dreams of getting a stylish couple with the cherished letters CK.
Later, Klein was the first to dye denim black and stitch a model, a tight-fitting figure.
In the early 80s, the brand begins to produce men's underwear, which today is considered legendary. The wide gum with the brand logo has made it recognizable around the world, and the number of fakes and copies continues to be released today in countless editions.
The company's revenue is growing rapidly, clothing brand is sold throughout the US and in Europe, and the annual income exceeds $ 600 million!
However, such a turn of events is fully justified, because the owner of the brand gush forth with innovative ideas that are perceived with delight by the public. One of the most significant, without a doubt, is the creation of a "unisex" style.
Calvin Klein was the first to create a collection of clothes that were not gender-normative, that is, equally suitable for people of both sexes. He made the greatest revolution in the history of modern fashion, abandoning the framework and conventions and allowing people to wear the most convenient and comfortable clothes, regardless of gender.
The designer not only laid the fashion trends himself, but also responded as quickly as possible to any changes in the fashion industry. For example, when military style came into fashion in the early 2000s, cargo pants and clothing in protective colors were among the first to appear in the brand’s product range. Gradually, the company grows into an empire and begins to open its boutiques in the East.
Despite the incredible popularity, the annual million-dollar income and several prestigious awards, after 30 years of tireless work, Klein begins to think about the rest.
In 2003, the company was sold to the Phillips-Van Heusen shirt corporation for $ 400 million. The designer received the right to be a consultant in this huge empire and choose a new receiver when he wants to finally retire. The new designer of the brand Calvin Klein was the Brazilian Francisco Costa. He remained faithful to the traditions, creating clothes in the familiar minimalist brand.
In 2016, he was replaced by Raf Simons, who is in this position today.
The brand has been and remains one of the most recognizable, successful and marketed worldwide. His concept, as before, is based on brevity and simplicity, which never goes out of fashion.
A year ago, the brand regained its status as the most talked about, thanks to the #mycalvins advertising campaign, which was attended by popular singer Justin Bieber and supermodel Kendal Jenner.
Advertising this fashion house in general deserves special attention, so we offer to get acquainted with the most significant campaigns in its history.
Advertising campaigns
We already know that Calvin Klein is a kind of revolutionary in the fashion world, the founder of one of the most popular styles and the creator of the first designer jeans. In addition, he is a legend in the advertising world, whose name is associated with many scandals.
It all started with the very first in the history of advertising jeans, which later became one of the symbols of the sexual revolution in the United States. Not surprising, because the poster adorned 15-year-old Brooke Shields, and the inscription on the billboard read, “Do you know that there is nothing between me and my jeans?”
The reaction of the public was deafening - at that time, the Puritan States accused Klein of promoting teen pornography, but at the same time sales of jeans soared to the skies.
A series of advertising provocations of the KC brand began with this advertisement, and other brands also picked up this trend.
In 1988, the young model Christy Turlington became the face of the Calvin Klein Collection line. Subsequently, she has repeatedly become the face of the brand. For example, in 2013, she was again contracted, and Christy again appeared in a frank promotional photo shoot, because her figure was 44 years old and she was admired.
In the early 90s, the brand again shocked the public - in an underwear ad for the first time, an almost naked male body was demonstrated.Billboard depicting Mark Wahlberg flaunts in the center of Manhattan, Kelvin is accused of promoting excessive sexuality and debauchery, and sales again reach a critical point.
Today, a photo of Mark with the perfect press and a disinfecting smile is also included in the list of cult and most memorable.
18-year-old Kate Moss, whose career and popularity began with this brand, also took part in this advertising campaign. Together with Wahlberg, she appeared in advertising for the legendary unisex perfume Calvin Klein One, as well as in jeans advertising, which again shook the public - apart from this garment, she was no longer wearing anything.
Kate already had a scandalous image, so they perfectly worked together with the Calvin Klein brand. They worked together for quite a long time, until in 2003 Natalia Vodyanova replaced her. She continued the tradition - the same type of face baby face, thin and at the same time sexy figure.
In 2007, the brand still continued to amaze - the black guy, actor Jimon Honsu, first appeared in an ad for the CK underwear line for the first time. This gave a new impetus to the development of the brand, which began to move in a rebellious direction.
Two years later, Calvin Klein again faced a scandal. The brand decided to go beyond and create underwear for girls with curvaceous, which could be adequately presented by hot Eva Mendez. Frank advertising, in which the actress starred, was called "pornographic" and "sexual as hell."
It should be noted that the overwhelming number of CK promotional photos are concise black and white shots. There is nothing superfluous in them, only an emphasis on the product itself and the body of the model.
Brand philosophy has always been provocative, advocating that sexuality has no framework. Such an approach could not be easily given, so Calvin Klein faced many legal proceedings in his time.
In 1995, an investigation began that accused the brand of exploitation of minors of sexual advertising. The public demands to ban provocative advertising with young Brooke, in its support a number of major publications.
In order not to let his company be destroyed, Klein is forced to obey, after which all charges against him were dropped.
The brand has repeatedly faced litigation, because the designer did not stop creating advertising campaigns that shocked society. He paid millions in lawsuits and offered a public apology, while sales of his brand continued to grow. Nobody argues that it was scandals that became one of the components of CK’s success, becoming part of the company's image.
Lines
- Calvin Klein Collection is a luxury monobrand range, which produces high quality underwear, clothing and accessories.
- CK Calvin Klein - inexpensive clothes and shoes in casual style.
- Calvin Klein (White Label) - sportswear and shoes.
- Calvin Klein Jeans - denim clothing.
- Calvin Klein Golf - clothing, shoes and accessories for golf.
- Calvin Klein Watches & Jewelry - exclusive watches and jewelry in the style of minimalism;
- Calvin Klein Home - stylish clothes and accessories for the home;
- Calvin Klein Underwear - a line of the famous underwear.
Range
Underwear
Previously, lingerie was ugly, but practical, or uncomfortable, but seductive. Everything changed with the advent of Calvin Klein Underwear - panties and bras became comfortable and sexy at the same time.
The most popular and today are cotton models with a wide elastic band, on which the brand logo is applied. The range includes classic models, tanga panties, thongs, bikinis and shorts, so every girl can choose the right model for her.
Bras are also diverse - it is comfortable tops, smooth models with underwire and push-up. Of course, not without lace patterns, however, they are always restrained and concise. There are no extra elements, only thin cotton and elegant lace, which is created to emphasize the beauty of the female body.
The swimwear presented in the assortment will invariably retain the brand concept - constant minimalism and restrained colors, but at the same time they make the figure seductive and sexy
clothing
The line Calvin Klein Home presents homewear, in which you will feel comfortable and attractive. This may be a thin robe, cotton pajama pants and a T-shirt or shorts with a T-shirt.
You can complement your home look with a sweatshirt or sweatshirt, which will be indispensable in the winter season.
Since it was this brand that promoted jeans to the big world of fashion, a pair of denim trousers with the cherished label CK is still the personification of impeccable style and taste.
Jeans with signature omega stitching on the back pockets are always high quality and discreet minimalism. The range includes a variety of models, both classic and trendy - with scuffs, holes and other design elements.
T-shirts with the CK logo never went out of style. Especially they were popular in the 90s, and now, with the return to the fashion of this era, regained unprecedented popularity. The brand once again proves that conciseness and simplicity is incredibly beautiful and stylish.
Practically in each ruler various outerwear for every taste is presented. Of course, the most popular jackets. Many of them are represented by short quilted jackets that are popular with young people. They are comfortable and lightweight - perfect for everyday wear.
There are longer options - down jackets, coats. All models have discreet discreet design, reminiscent of a sporty style. The same applies to the coat - medium length, classic fit, neutral colors. Sometimes there are models with a fur trim on the hood.
Outerwear of this brand is aimed at active and purposeful residents of the metropolis.
Footwear
All presented shoes from CK preserve the brand concept. These are always restrained models without frills and fancy decor, regardless of the line. The range includes sandals, sandals, flip-flops and flip-flops in a sporty style with the words Calvin Klein, shoes with and without heels.
The greatest demand is for casual sneakers, which can serve as an excellent alternative to sneakers of famous sports brands. Made of genuine leather, they are comfortable and comfortable to wear.
Accessories
The success of the Calvin Klein wristwatch is an impeccable style and traditional Swiss quality. They are produced under a separate brand СK Watch Co. Ltd., which was created by collaborations of the CK brand and the famous watch manufacturer Swatch Group.
The first watches of the brand, aimed at young dynamic people, were released in 1997. Bright design and the presence of a corporate logo among many other manufacturers.
Every year a new collection of watches comes out, which is divided into three areas: designer models, classic women’s and classic men’s.
Recently, the model Flash is popular - it is a wide metal bracelet on which the dial merges with the case. Such watches are incredibly stylish and absolutely universal. They will look good with casual wear, business and even evening wear.
The most sold model has always been Reversible. In them, the clasp is located under the dial, and the strap, made of leather, is usually two-sided.
Calvin Klein bags and wallets are characterized by a discreet design and calm colors. Previously, each model was combined with all the clothes presented in the collection. Now accessories belong to a separate line, so the range has become more diverse.
It presents a variety of everyday roomy models - shoppers, hotes and hobo, and compact crossbody on a long strap. There are also small elegant clutches for publication.
Bags and wallets are made of leather or classic tapestry material with a brand monogram.
The design of all accessories Calvin Klein is designed to reject all that is superfluous and to pay special attention to details. This is the main concept of the line, which is maintained for years.
Perfumery
The first perfume brand was released in 1978, but this attempt was unsuccessful. Despite this, Klein did not give up trying to create the perfect fragrance, and he succeeded. In 1985, Obsession perfume was released, for which naked Kate Moss appeared.
This was followed by the release of high-profile iconic fragrances Eternity (1988), Escape (1991) and, finally, in 1994, CK One unisex perfume was created, which critics consider the best brand creation.
At the moment, the loudest and most popular fragrance, without a doubt, is Euphoria, released in 2005. She was awarded the prestigious FiFi Awards - a peculiar analogue of the Oscars, which is awarded for achievements in the field of perfumery.
How to distinguish the original from a fake?
Calvin Klein - one of the brands that fake most often. In particular, this applies to underwear, perfumes and watches.
The latter must necessarily have a package with a logo, a certificate of quality and a guarantee from the manufacturer. Any model has an original sample on the case, the belt and the clasp - this allows you to distinguish even a very high-quality copy.
Remember that genuine CK watches are quite expensive - it is used to make a top-quality surgical watch, and a third of the cost is a leather strap.
Choosing Calvin Klein perfumes, pay attention to the packaging - there should be a hologram on it, and a special batch code at the bottom, which allows you to check not only the authenticity, but also the expiration date of the fragrance. It is worth noting that the cost of CK perfume is in the middle price category, so most girls can buy original perfumes without harming the wallet.
Reviews
Despite the success and popularity of the brand, reviews of Calvin Klein products are mixed. The girls say that jeans, for example, can be of different quality - some are worn for years, while others fade and lose an attractive appearance after the first wash.
It all depends on the line in which you will get the selected item. If it is inexpensive, then it makes no sense to rely on luxury quality, and, on the contrary, all things from the premium line will delight both in appearance and quality, and long-lasting wear.