Bronx-born fashion designer, Calvin Klein, has been gracing us with his unwavering taste and style since 1968, when Klein founded Calvin Klein Ltd with a mere $10,000 to his name. A man born with a natural style and elegance, Calvin Klein’s talent was amplified with an impressive education at the High School of Industrial Art and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. He soon became a protégé of Baron de Gunzburg and it was through his introductions and connections that Klein became one of the fashion world’s elite. The company eventually became known as Calvin Klein, Inc. It didn’t take long for the public to notice that Klein’s ideas where the mark of an original American luxury brand that was about to jet set across America’s youth. Just a few years later, CK added a line of sportswear, classic blazers and lingerie to his womenswear collection. The Coty Award was presented to Klein in 1973 for this 74-piece collection; he was the youngest designer ever to receive it. He received the same award the following two years. By 1977, he had gained licenses for scarves, belts, furs, shoes and sunglasses and his revenues had increased to $30 million and their annual retail volume was estimated at $100 million. Klein had also produced a designer-jeans fad by adding his name to the back pockets in the mid 70’s; these jeans were notoriously advertised by young Brooke Shields. The designer was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1982 for outstanding designs in both women’s and menswear as well as the America’s Best Designer Award in 93’. Extensively considered the most outstanding American fashion designer, his trademark inconspicuous designs are inspired by the fresh and humble style of New York’s urban community. CK is the designer of choice for some of the world’s biggest names like Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Hunt. Calvin Klein can be found at most department stores including Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus.
