Calvin Klein
Raf Simons and Calvin Klein Unexpectedly Parted Ways
December 21, 2018
Calvin Klein was born in New York in 1942. He attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology and later apprenticed at suit manufacturers for a number of years. In 1968, he opened his own company together with his childhood friend, Barry K. Schwartz, to sell suits and coats, but it was his sportswear line that became a hit. By the late 70s, their company had a revenue of $30 million.
His business grew into an empire with his iconic denim line, numerous licenses in accessories, bags, home, and fragrances, and a game-changing line of men’s underwear.
The company saw many ups and downs throughout the decades, finally being acquired by American clothing conglomerate Phillips Van Heusen Corp (PVH) in 2002.
In a 2010 report, PVH had estimated sales of €4.6 billion of Calvin Klein products, and it remains one of the most recognized and leading brands of American fashion for its bold, progressive ideals and its seductive, minimal aesthetic.
