The New York-born Calvin Klein started a fashion empire that redefined the fashion industry. From being the first to push designer jeans and underwear to the public, to creating some of the most controversial (and successful) advertising campaigns ever — Calvin Klein Inc was ahead of its time. Through the years the label has expanded into perfume, cosmetics, and yes: a foray into the modern Calvin Klein watches line.
The story of how Calvin Klein started is not only inspiring, but also very interesting. It didn’t all come together right away for Calvin Klein, but when it did, his name and label skyrocketed into the fashion world’s hall of fame. While the company is no longer owned by its co-founder, it’s certainly worth remembering how it all began.
Overview:
- Before Calvin Klein
- How Calvin Klein Started
- How Calvin Klein Watches Started
- The Best Calvin Klein Watches
Before The Calvin Klein Label
Through 1959–62 Klein spent his time studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. He’d learnt to love fashion as a kid, with his Mother and Grandmother playing big parts in his early interest. When he finally graduated, Klein found small pieces of work in the fashion industry before being enrolled by designer Dan Millstein to copy and sketch pieces from the European runway.
Klein made a modest living at this time. He learned a lot from watching fashion shows in Paris, but would move on to design for a coat manufacturer by the name of Halldon Ltd. He got some recognition in this role, but felt the need to create his own line. Thus, the early workings of Calvin Klein were set in motion.
How Calvin Klein Started
After years of working for various small fashion designers, Calvin Klein started his own company in 1968. Calvin Klein Inc was made in many parts thanks to the investment of his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz. The two had met through their fathers at the age of 5, living in the Bronx of New York. In co-founding the company together, they became long-time partners. And it didn’t take long for Calvin Klein’s new business to get recognition.
Calvin Klein Inc began designing women's coats, and were quickly picked up by high-end retailers. They made $1m in their first year, and their casual yet chic designs led them to being noticed by fashion magazines and moguls alike. Klein expanded his working space, and added new lines of womenswear to his collection. Within five years of starting his company, Klein won two Coty American Fashion Critics' Awards — the fashion equivalent of winning an Oscar or Grammy at the time.
Perhaps one of the crowning moments of Calvin Klein's career was his push for designer jeans in the mid-70s. By creating stylish yet casual jeans with a slim fit and classic Calvin Klein logo, he had created a craze for casual chic. The success of their signature jeans skyrocketed the company into the next decade.
The 80s were big for Calvin Klein. They had expanded into menswear and perfume in the late 70s, and now had the range to reach a much wider audience. What really made them stand out was their penchant for creating provocative and sexy advertisements for their jeans and perfume.
Next, Klein would expand into men’s underwear. The line took off, thanks to some more controversial advertising — and a women’s underwear line would see similar success soon after. The cotton design and elastic waistband with the Calvin Klein logo became incredibly popular, as you might already know. It was a classic show of the simple, stylish design that made the American label so enticing in the first place.
To this day, Calvin Klein has continued to use controversial advertisements to bring attention to its brand. Look no further than Calvin Kleins Mother's Day campaign featuring a pregnant transgender man. At the end of the day, the substance and quality of the product behind the ads have always been what helps their label grow. The same is true for their venture in the watch industry.
How Calvin Klein Watches Started
Calvin Klein Inc, the pioneering and influential New York fashion house, had expanded into nearly all avenues by the 90s. While sales ebbed and flowed, their reputation remained one of the strongest in the world. And finally, in 1997, the label entered the world of watches.
These new watches were to be produced in partnership with Swatch, a subsidiary of the larger Swatch Group that owns Swiss giants like Tissot and Longines. This deal gave Calvin Klein the freedom to create dress watches backed by the craft and artistry of the Swiss.
The partnership has continued till this day, with a collection of clean, minimalist designs that so perfectly represent the style of Calvin Klein. Under the direction of the Belgian designer Raf Simons in 2016-17, the label's watch collection became a little glossier and more modern. Their new line is largely considered to be unisex watches with understated elegance.
The Best Calvin Klein Watches
The new Calvin Klein watch look is fantastic. When you get a top fashion house and Swiss watchmaker like Swatch working together, you expect some pretty nice looking timepieces. With some modern edge and nuance from contemporary music and culture, these Calvin Klein men's watches and Calvin Klein women's watches are something to get excited about.
Calvin Klein 25200057 Linked Mens Watch
$249.00
$299.00
Embrace bold style in this Calvin Klein 25200057 Linked Mens Watch. The bracelet features strong links with a brushed metal texture that give a professional yet rugged look. The round dial is especially simple and features silver highlights that really… read more
Calvin Klein 25200049 Black Sunray Dial Mens Mesh Watch
$249.00
$299.00
Go gold with this Calvin Klein 25200049 Black Sunray Dial Mens Mesh Watch. The mesh bracelet is detailed and crafted in stunning yellow gold that makes the watch look and feel luxurious. The dial is round and features a black… read more
