Birth: November 19, 1942
Place of Birth: New York
Label: Calvin Klein Inc
Popularly known as "Calvin the Conqueror" and "the Supreme Master of Minimalism", Calvin Klein had been listed in the Time's as one of the '25 Most Influential People in America'. Having a humble beginning in the industry, Calvin has managed to make creative outbursts that have subjugated the entire world. Calvin's designs were fresh and unpretentious, creating a wave in the business. He had a seen a lot of ups and downs in his career, with his company gaining momentum in the early years, but losing it out during the last of the 20th century. It was only lately, in 2003, when his company was taken over by clothing giants Philips-Van Heusen, that it regained the lost luster.
Early Life
Calvin Richard Klein, an American fashion designer, has a name world wide. Born on 19th November 1942 at The Bronx, New York, he launched the company "Calvin Klein Inc" in the year 1968 which has been an omnipresent brand in today's time. He had developed a passion for sketching and drawing in his teens. To make his passion his career, Calvin after completing his matriculation went on to study apparel designing from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. For his immense contribution to the fashion world he received an honorary doctorate from the institute at the graduation ceremony of 2003.
Calvin Klein took guidance under Baron de Gunzburg who was his inspiration and his mentor. Calvin tasted success after his first show at the New York fashion Week where his talent was both recognized and applauded. He married Jayne Centre in the year 1964 but the relationship did not last and they were divorced a decade later. It was during this time that he shoot to fame with his tight fitting jeans which made a rage in the world and also made him a celebrity of the fashion fraternity. It was in 1987 he married socialite Kelly Rector but even this bondage did not last for a long time and they were divorced 2006.
Career and Success
With his childhood friend Barry Schwartz, Calvin had launched his company but it was the order worth $50,000 from a retailing giant, Bonwit Teller, which changed the life of the ingenious designer. His sleek designs made it to the pages of Vogue and the Harper's Bazaar. In 1970 with the introduction of tight fitting jeans by the brand elevated Calvin Klein's position further. Calvin has received a lot of acknowledgment for his input in the fashion fraternity.
He won the Coty awards for three consecutive years from 1972-74 making him the youngest designer to receive the award.
He was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for his ingenious designs in both women and menswear in 1982, 1983, and 1986 making history again as he became the first designer to receive both awards in the same year.
He also won the CDFA in 1993 for both women and menswear.
America's Best Designer Award in 1993.
Brand and Clientele
The brand although started with apparel designing, today has a range of luxury products under its belt. Starting with jeans, kids clothing, underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, hosiery and socks, watches, fragrance, eyewear and home lines/collections, the brand is an entice for its clients. With names like Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Hunt as his client list and one of the most coveted designers for the Hollywood stars, Calvin has achieved a lot of fame in his career. He has stores all over the world with its headquarter in New York, which cater to the people with his gamut of designs.
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