Calvin Klein has forged a reputation as perhaps America's most iconic fashion designer with his style of classic minimalism mainly in neutral tones creating a trademark all-American look. Born in New York's Bronx district in 1942 he took an early interest in fashion, sketching and sewing as a child before beginning his formal design education at the city's Fashion Institute of Technology in 1959. After graduating he served a five-year apprenticeship at traditional cloak and suit manufacturers before setting out with friend Barry Schwartz to establish what has become a style empire. The early days were tough however, and the young designer came close to bankruptcy before one of his collections of women's coats was picked up by department store Bonwit Teller and became an instant success that set him on the road to fame and fortune. As much a marketing genius as a fashion stylist, Klein has always been acutely aware of consumer trends and the power of arresting brand communication. The 1970s launch of his Calvin Klein jeans using a teenage Brooke Shields in provocative imagery created the entire designer jeans phenomenon.
The next decade saw him revolutionise men's underwear, taking it from an unseen, merely functional item to a must-have fashion statement given a strong identity courtesy of "Marky Mark" Wahlberg. His couture designs have a dedicated following among Hollywood A-listers including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts who appreciate the sophisticated elegance of his garments that provide a stylish maturity in contrast with the glitzy flash of other younger designers. Along with an enormous range of licensed accessories such as sunglasses, belts, shoes and homewares, Calvin Klein has developed an extensive portfolio of fragrances and perfumes and body care. Key brands include Contradiction, Escape, Eternity, Euphoria, Obsession and Truth. Product lines range from deodorants; eau de toilette; eau de parfum; mascara; body wash, lotion and powder; moisturiser and men's shaving accessories. Again enhancing his reputation as a pioneer he launched the unisex scent CK One in 1993 that has since become an icon product and blurred the previously strict lines between men's and women's fragrance.
