Getting its start in the 19th century, fashion design has been around the block for centuries now. Throughout the years, it has changed, shifted, been reimagined, redesigned, rebirthed, and molded into what we have today. While fashion is constantly changing, one thing is not: People’s desire to have the latest trends, styles, and patterns that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd while also bringing out a piece of who they are through their wardrobe. Fashion has always helped people express who they are and uncovers a sort of confidence as well.
While each fashion designer specializes in their own style or flavor of design, many have helped shape the culture of fashion through their work. In fact, many designers have made such an impact on the industry that they are recognized and praised worldwide for their bold work and incredible styles. So, who is the most famous fashion designer in the world? Among many infamous designers such as Donatello Versace, Giorgio Armani, and even Valentino Garavani, one stands out amongst the rest. The most famous and well recognized fashion designer in the world is none other than Calvin Klein himself.
Who is Calvin Klein?
Calvin Klein is an American fashion designer born in 1942 in The Bronx, New York. Growing up in such a dense part of New York, Klein grew up around art, design, and many cultural influences. When he got older, he attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, and after he graduated, attended New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Although he excelled in college, he never graduated with a degree. It wasn’t until later in 2003 when he was awarded an honorary doctorate in fashion design. Instead of college, he dropped out in to complete an apprenticeship at an old line cloak and suit manufacturer, his first exposure to a world of design. From there, his passion ignited and he spent an additional five years designing at other New York City clothing shops (1).
In 1968, Calvin Klein decided to launch his own label with his childhood best friend, Barry K. Schwartz, and they named the label Calvin Klein (now referred to as ‘CK’ for short). Klein soon became the protégé of Baron de Gunzburg, who was a French magazine editor, and it was thanks to this relationship that Klein became the pinnacle of the elite New York fashion scene even before he launched his first successful mainstream line of Calvin Klein Jeans. He immediately grabbed the attention of the fashion world when he showed off his first major line at New York Fashion Week, and was appointed the new Yves Saint Laurent creative director shortly after.
Today, Calvin Klein is an American luxury fashion house headquartered in New York City. They specialize in leather, accessories, jewelry, watches, home furnishings, and of course, a ready-to-wear line. The Calvin Klein fashion house has a substantial custom base in retail and commercial lines as well as their haute couture pieces.
What is So Special About CK Garments?
What makes Calvin Klein’s designs so set apart from other designers is his clean lines, minimal patterns, and bold cuts. In fact, it was his casual chic style that brought American fashion into its own and on par with Paris, fashion capitol of the world. While many designers took to crazy patterns, insane cuts, and eclectic, almost theatrical, designs, Klein took a different approach to fashion. He focused more on understated clothing tapping into a market of simple, effortless high fashion garments that encompass class and sophistication, while also approaching fashion with ease and comfort. While his garments are simple, each piece is forward, trendy, and timeless. Thanks to the durable materials, careful stitches, and precise cuts, each garment is built to last a lifetime, while also upholding to the constant whirlwind of changing trends.
Today, the Calvin Klein name encompasses everything from underwear to perfume, jeans to haute couture. Thanks to his stylish designs, and simple fashion statements, Calvin Klein has risen to the top of the fashion industry after building quite the empire for himself over the years. Now, Calvin Klein is one of the most recognized and appreciated brands around the world today. Not only has Calvin Klein proven they can leave their mark on fashion, but they are here to stay.
Awards and Recognition
Of course, a lifetime of experience in the fashion industry does not come without some praise. Unlike most artists and creatives, Klein found his fame almost as instantly as he broke into the fashion world. In 1974, Klein single handedly created the designer jean craze of the 70’s by designing a signature tight-fitting jean. The tight-fitting jean was a wild success, racking up over $200,000 in gross profit just in their first week. It was also that same year that Klein became the first fashion designer to receive outstanding design in men’s and women’s wear from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Throughout the years, Klein has been placed on the International Best Dressed List, as well as received multiple awards from the Councils of Fashion Designs of America. Thanks to much recognition, the Calvin Klein name attracts celebrity models such as Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber who have now become the face, amongst others, of this popular American fashion house.
Is Calvin Klein for You?
It’s no secret that American fashion house, Calvin Klein, has quickly swept through the world as one of the most popular, powerhouse fashion brands on the planet. Thanks to Klein’s brilliant designs and simple garments, Calvin Klein has revolutionized how we wear and appreciate fashion. But is it the right designer for you? If you are one that loves simple, elegant patterns, and playful lines that accentuate the natural figure, then Calvin Klein may be the right fashion house for you. Known for their understated clothing, Klein works to create a simple, bold garments that makes the person wearing it the art piece. After all, fashion should never take away from who we are, but rather bring out a confidence in us that’s been there all along.
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