hardly anyone who Calvin Klein Have not heard the name of the product or have not worn its clothes. It is one of the most popular fashion houses in the world. It offers ready-to-wear clothing, designer undergarments, denim, perfumes, footwear, cosmetics, homeware, eyewear, jewelry and watches to its customers.
Calvin Klein’s products grew rapidly in the worldwide market since the 1980s and their monopoly is maintained. According to the information, in the year 2021, this company registered sales of $ 8.5 billion. As on date, the company has centers in more than 110 countries.
Has reigned for five decades
The Calvin Klein brand is especially famous for its clothing and perfumes. It is one of the most successful brands for more than five decades. Many well-known celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, Jay-Z, Harry Styles, Ji Chang Wook, Emma Watson, Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas and Taylor Swift use the brand’s clothing and perfumes.
Know who is Calvin Klein?
Calvin Richard Klein was born on 19 November 1942 in the Bronx, New York City, USA. His father Leo Klein was a Hungarian immigrant. His mother, Flor Stern, was of Austrian descent. Calvin was fond of sewing from a young age. Calvin spent his youth in the Bronx learning to sketch and sew.
His passion for learning about design and tailoring was evident during his schooling. Calvin’s mother encouraged him to pursue his love of fashion and art. He enrolled in Manhattan’s High School of Art and Design for further studies.
Calvin Klein a popular brand
business with a friend
After matriculating, Calvin attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Although he did not complete his graduation. Calvin continued to design at various stores across the city during his training. After working in a company, Calvin started his own business with his childhood friend Barry.
company started with loan
Calvin and Barry borrowed $10,000. Calvin Klein saw a huge opportunity shortly after its founding. A woman mistakenly went to the wrong floor when she bought a coat from the luxury department store Bonwit Teller. On the floor, he saw Calvin Klein coats. Impressed by the designs, she invites Calvin to meet with the president of Bonwit Teller. From where a deal of $ 50,000 was made. After that there was no looking back for Calvin Klein.
Within a year the brand started gaining citywide recognition. In September 1969, the prestigious lifestyle magazine Vogue featured Calvin on its cover. From here it got more publicity and helped in stabilizing the brand.
business spread to other countries
After creating a successful coat and dress line, Calvin Klein branched out into sportswear, innerwear and classic blazers for women. In 1977, the brand achieved an annual revenue of $30 million. During the 1980s, Calvin Klein’s business expanded to Canada, Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia and virtually captured the market there.
Game changer of the US market
It proved to be a game-changer in the US market after the 1980s. Its collections for women became extremely popular. However, during the recession of the early 1990s in the US, the brand faced near bankruptcy. But Calvin Klein has struck again.
The brand’s success continued through the late 1990s and 2000s. In December 2002, PVH acquired Calvin Klein for over 400 million, following which the brand entered ready-to-wear clothing. Most of Calvin Klein’s clothing became a huge success. Now it has become the most successful and popular brand in the world.