Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
Born	November 19, 1942 (age 83); Bronx, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Fashion designer
Years active	1962–present
Known for	Founder of Calvin Klein fashion brand

Calvin Richard Klein (; born November 19, 1942) is an American fashion designer who established the company that evolved into Calvin Klein (fashion house) in 1968. His brand's portfolio extends beyond apparel to include perfumes, timepieces, and jewellery.

Early life and education

Born in the Bronx, New York, Klein is the son of Jewish parents Flore (née Stern; 1909–2006) and Leo Klein, whose ancestry traces back to Galicia and Bukovina (present-day Ukraine). He attended J.H.S. 80 in the Bronx before graduating from Manhattan's High School of Art and Design. Klein then enrolled at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, briefly leaving after his initial year but returning to finish his studies.

Career

Klein started his career in 1962 as an apprentice at Dan Millstein, a manufacturer specializing in cloaks and suits, and spent five years designing for several New York City retailers.

In 1968, together with childhood friend Barry K. Schwartz, who took on the role of business manager, he founded his first company. Klein’s vision was to create "medium priced clothes with a clean look." After departing from manufacturing, he operated from a hotel room office where he designed coats and secured a buyer at Bonwit Teller.

Under the mentorship of Baron de Gunzburg, Klein was introduced to New York’s high-fashion circles. His debut major presentation at New York Fashion Week earned him acclaim and drew parallels to Yves Saint Laurent for his minimalist style.

By 1974, Klein had developed a line of form-fitting jeans that achieved $200,000 in sales during their opening week.

In 1998, he took part in a celebrity reading of The Emperor's New Clothes to support The Starbright Foundation for children facing illness.

Personal life

Klein has been an active supporter of the U.S. Democratic Party, contributing over $250,000 to various candidates and political action committees since 1980.

Relationships

In 1964, Klein wed textile designer Jayne Centre; they were childhood neighbors in New York and began their relationship during college. They have one daughter, television producer Marci Klein, recognized for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. The marriage ended in divorce in 1974.

Klein married his assistant Kelly Rector in Rome during a buying trip in September 1986. She later gained recognition as a socialite photographer. The couple separated in 1996 and finalized their divorce in 2006.

Between 2010 and 2012, Klein was romantically linked to former adult film actor Nicholas Gruber, who is 47 years younger. Since 2016, he has been involved with model Kevin Baker.

Residences

For many years, Klein owned a residence in Fire Island Pines, New York on Fire Island, where he entertained notable guests such as artist Andy Warhol, Studio 54 proprietor Steve Rubell, designer Chester Weinberg, and media executive David Geffen. Though he sold this property in 1995, it remains famously referred to as "The Calvin Klein House."

In 2003, he acquired an oceanfront property in Southampton, New York, which he demolished to construct a $75 million mansion made of glass and concrete. In 2015, Klein put his mansion in Miami Beach, Florida on the market for $16 million; it sold two years later for $12.85 million. That same year, he purchased a mansion in Los Angeles, California, for $25 million.

Awards and honors

In 1974, Klein distinguished himself as the first designer to earn exceptional design accolades in both men's and women's fashion from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The CFDA further recognized his contributions with awards in 1981, 1983, and 1993. Additionally, in 1983, he was inducted into the International Best Dressed List.

In 1991, Klein was presented with the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award, and in 2003, he was granted an honorary doctorate by the Fashion Institute of Technology.

In pop culture

Klein appeared briefly in a guest role during season 3, episode 15 ("The Bubble") of 30 Rock. A dramatized portrayal of him is featured in season 4, episode 12 ("The Pick") of Seinfeld. The character Marty McFly in the 1985 movie Back to the Future also uses the name Calvin Klein, highlighting the brand’s cultural significance.

External links