Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein is a fashion designer and entrepreneur who has made an indelible mark on the fashion industry over the past several decades. He was born on November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York City, to Jewish-Hungarian immigrants. Klein grew up in the Bronx and attended the High School of Art and Design, where he discovered his passion for fashion.
After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Klein launched his own company in 1968 with his childhood friend, Barry K. Schwartz. The brand quickly gained popularity for its minimalist, modern designs, and innovative advertising campaigns. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Calvin Klein became known for his provocative advertisements that often featured young, scantily-clad models. His campaigns were controversial but effective, and helped to cement his brand’s position in the fashion industry.
In the 1980s, Calvin Klein expanded his brand beyond clothing and began producing fragrances, watches, and other accessories. He also launched a highly successful line of underwear, which quickly became one of the company’s most profitable ventures. The iconic “Calvin Klein” waistband on his underwear became an instant status symbol, and celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss were hired to model the brand.
In 2002, Calvin Klein sold his company to Phillips Van Heusen Corp. (PVH) for $430 million. Despite no longer owning the company, Klein remained involved in the business, serving as an advisor and consultant to PVH. In 2018, PVH announced that they would be closing all of Calvin Klein’s brick-and-mortar stores in North America to focus on their e-commerce business.
Klein has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout his career, including the creation of the Calvin Klein Foundation in 1987. The foundation provides funding for AIDS research, education, and care, and has donated millions of dollars to organizations around the world. In addition, Klein has supported various other charities, including the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
In terms of his involvement in Miami, Calvin Klein has owned several properties in the city over the years, including a waterfront mansion in Miami Beach that he sold in 2015 for $13.15 million. He has also been a frequent visitor to the city, attending events like Art Basel Miami Beach and the Miami International Film Festival. Klein’s company has sponsored events in Miami, including the 2019 Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade.
In terms of his business ventures in Miami, Calvin Klein has not owned any physical stores in the city since the closure of his brick-and-mortar stores in North America. However, his clothing and accessories are still sold in various retail locations throughout Miami and the surrounding areas.
Overall, Calvin Klein has had a profound impact on the fashion industry and has become an icon in the world of fashion and design. His minimalist, modern aesthetic and innovative advertising campaigns have set him apart from other designers and helped to establish his brand as one of the most recognizable in the world. Despite no longer owning his company, Klein remains a significant figure in the industry and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of designers and entrepreneurs.
