Skip to main content

Calvin Klein

American, b. 1942

Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Calvin Klein initially experienced the garment industry as a child in his grandmother’s New York City tailoring business. He would one day establish a global fashion brand — the Bronx native led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s, and vintage Calvin Klein skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear.

Klein was born in 1942. He joined his mother on trips to designer discount store Loehmann’s and visited his grandmother's seamstress shop, where he was able to witness the particulars of clothing design in his youth. As a teen, Klein started making fashion sketches and attended the High School of Art and Design and the Art Students League of New York. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1963.

Klein worked with coat manufacturer Dan Millstein after his studies had concluded. In 1968, he partnered with his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz, and opened a small coat and dress shop in the York Hotel in Manhattan. Schwartz ran the business side of things while Klein took the reins on creative direction. The designer’s work was soon stocked at Bonwit Teller — and appeared in large ads in the New York Times — and in 1969, a model sported a Calvin Klein coat on the cover of Vogue.

During the 1970s, Klein added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years. 

Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.

A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein would be competing with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. The decade saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.

Though profits declined in the early 1990s, Klein saved the business with successful underwear, sportswear and fragrance lines. More controversial ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. In 2002, the Calvin Klein company was sold to Phillips Van Heusen Corp. Belgian designer Raf Simons was named chief creative officer at the brand in 2016.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Calvin Klein clothing, accessories and handbags.

to
2
4
4
6
4
3
3
74
741
548
548
356
5
4
1
5
5
1
1
1
Color:  Gray
Designer: Calvin Klein
runway CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS SS18 blue red acetate diner uniform shirt IT36 XS
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
runway CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS SS18 blue red acetate diner uniform shirt IT36 XS Reference: CLYG/A00017 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: Spring Summer 2018 - Runw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC 2018 ANDY WARHOL red Cowboy print hoodie M
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC 2018 ANDY WARHOL red Cowboy print hoodie M Reference: YNWG/A00113 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC 20...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Frame
By Calvin Klein
Located in Capri, IT
Calvin Klein Frame
Category

1990s Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein White Oversize T-shirt with Brand
By Calvin Klein
Located in Milano, IT
Lovely white oversized T-shirt by Calvin Klein from the late 1990s, with original logo and tag. Made in Italy. The white T-shirt is made of long oversized cotton, with short sleeves....
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Andy Warhol White Tank Top, Size Small
By Calvin Klein
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The top features black and white American Flag, 1983 print on the front.
Category

1980s Calvin Klein

1990S CALVIN KLEIN Light Blue Snake Skin Hand Dyed Pencil Skirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
1990S CALVIN KLEIN Light Blue Snake Skin Hand Dyed Pencil Skirt
Category

1990s Calvin Klein

1980s Calvin Klein Gray Rayon Open Neck Maxi Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Calvin Klein maxi dress Gray rayon Open v neck Shoulder pads Stretchy pull-on style Size 6 Made in USA *Please feel free to contact us with the "Ask the Seller" link should you...
Category

1980s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein eyewear / frame NWOT
By Calvin Klein
Located in Capri, IT
Calvin Klein eyewear / frame NWOT
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein sunglasses NWOT
By Calvin Klein
Located in Capri, IT
Calvin Klein sunglasses NWOT Blue colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Cashmere Knit Ensemble
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
This wonderful Calvin Klein 2-piece cashmere ensemble has a floor-length fitted, yet flared skirt with a hem circumference measuring 96". The elastic waistband measures 24" - 26" com...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Calvin Klein

Related Items
New Vintage Serge Kirchhofer 624 Silver Blue Lenses Sunglasses Austria
By Serge Kirchhofer
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Serge Kirchhofer sunglasses. Spotless blue gradient lenses. This item may show sign of wear due to storage. Made in Austria. FRONT :...
Category

1970s Austrian Calvin Klein

Amiri White Distressed Cotton Crew Neck T Shirt S
By Amiri
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This comfortable white T-shirt from the house of Amiri is a must-have. Crafted from breathable cotton, it is stylish and versatile. It has a distressed effect, short sleeves, and a c...
Category

2010s Calvin Klein

1970s Purple + Orange + Blue Flower Power Vintage 70s Tunic Mini Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing early 1970s flower power psychedelic tunic mini dress! Features flowers in various sizes, mixed with psychedelic prints. Vibrant colors of purple, orange and red throughout. ...
Category

1970s American Calvin Klein

1970s Holly Hobbie Theme Red, White and Blue Denim Blue Jean 70s Mini Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage early 70s Holly Hobbie themed denim embroidered mini dress! Features an embroidered patch in the shape of Holly Hobbie in red, white and blue...
Category

1970s American Calvin Klein

2000S DONNA KARAN Heather Grey Cotton, Rayon & Spandex Knit Jersey Dress With N
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
2000S DONNA KARAN Heather Grey Cotton, Rayon & Spandex Knit Jersey Dress With Net And Boning
Category

Early 2000s Calvin Klein

Vintage Prada Runway grey patchwork fur skirt, Fall 1999
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in New York, NY
Prada Fall/Winter 1999 Runway Collection Collector’s Archive Prada fur a-line skirt from the runway collection. Gorgeous, timeless winter piece for any chic capsule wardrobe. Grey d...
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Comme des Garcons Junya Watanabe Dress with Cut Out
By Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black stretch dress from Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons, CDG. It is sleeveless with a cutout circle at the front waist and several l...
Category

2010s Japanese Calvin Klein

Max Mara Silk Flowers Skirt
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful Max Mara skirt with black lace flowers We offer more exclusive vintage designer items, view our frontstore. Details: Side zipper lined 100% ...
Category

20th Century Italian Calvin Klein

Dolce & Gabbana Cream Crinkled Cotton Silk Lace Insert Tiered Skirt M
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Embrace a carefree style with this skirt from Dolce and Gabbana. It is cut from a blend of crinkled cotton and adorned with lace inserts. This pretty cream skirt comes in a tiered de...
Category

2010s Italian Calvin Klein

Maison Margiela Artisanal Spider-Web Hand Knit Sweater, Spring Summer 2016
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in Tương Mai Ward, Hoang Mai District
A piece you would not often see on the internet. This one including different textile: Wool, Mohair, Cashmere, unlike Raf Simons or Number(N)ine Size on tag: M, fits Oversized Con...
Category

2010s French Calvin Klein

HERMES white cotton & cashmere Jacquard Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès light knit cardigan in clay cotton (85%) cashmere (15%) with a strap-pattern, round neckline, straight fit, ribbed cuff and hem. Unlined. Closes with button fastening in the f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Jean Paul Gaultier Erotic Transparent Silk Vintage Men Women Shirt Tee Top Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Iconic silk top/dress by Jean Paul Gaultier! Transparent. Deep armpit cut! It can be worn as a mini dress (if you are shorter, the length: 70 cm = 27.6 inch) or a top. With hoodie. 1...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Calvin Klein

Previously Available Items
Calvin Klein Satin pochette size Unica
By Calvin Klein
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Vintage from the 90s SatinGrey colourMetal with crystalsInternal pocketCm 23 x 13 (9 x 5,11 inches)
Category

2010s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Sheer Organza Long Tunic
By Calvin Klein
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Keep it classic with this timeless Calvin Klein sheer tunic top! Circa 1980s, this sheer off-white organza long tunic blouse features a slight cowl neckline with rolled short sleeves...
Category

1980s American Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Size 9.5 Grey & Yellow Mixed Materials Carlos 10 Sneakers
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC "Carlos 10" sneakers comes in a grey & yellow mixed materials featuring a snap bacl strap, silver tone hardware, and a lace up closure. Wear throughout. As-Is....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein white silk small pochette
By Calvin Klein
Located in Capri, IT
Calvin Klein white silk small pochette measurements: 13 cm * 23 cm
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS SS18 green oversized calfskin leather coat paint US2 XS
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS SS18 green oversized calfskin leather coat paint US2 XS Designer: CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC BY RAF SIMONS Model / Season:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Size S Olive Solid Cotton Blend T-shirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION T-shirt comes in an olive solid cotton blend, with a crewneck and a detail on the shoulders. Made in Italy. New with Tags. Marked: S Measurements: Shoul...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Size M Indigo Wash Cotton Blend Pullover Sweater
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION pullover comes in a washed indigo in a cotton blend material, with side zipper and buttoned cuff. Slim Fit. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION 42 Bone Cotton Double Breasted Sport Coat Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
Double breasted CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION sport coat comes in light weight bone beige bonded cotton with a peak lapel fabric faced, silver tone metal buttons, and flap pockets. Made in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Collection Men's Dark Gray Alpaca Knit and Mesh Crewneck Sweater
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION pullover sweater comes in a dark gray alpaca blend knit and features a round crewneck with shoulder zip, patterned mid section, and gray mesh panels. Fall 201...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein 2017 205W39NYC Crystal Stationary Rope Belt Sz 85 rt. $2, 250
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Nickle & Crystal Stationary Rope Belt Sz 85 Made In: Italy Color: White, silver Hardware: Crystals, nickle Closure/Opening: Push lock closure Retail Price...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

1980s Off White Calvin Klein Sheer Organza Vintage Jacket or Long Tunic Top
By Calvin Klein
Located in Portland, OR
This is a beautiful, lightweight, sheer jacket by Calvin Klein with an overlap at the neck, buttoning under both sides of the collar. This billowing top is made of a sheer, sturdy or...
Category

1980s American Calvin Klein

Minimal Calvin Klein Jacket from the 1980s
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Minimal Calvin Klein Jacket from the 1980s
Category

1980s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Calvin Klein fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, purple, orange and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Rick Owens, Just Cavalli, and Calvin Klein Collection appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Calvin Klein fashion from top boutiques around the world. Calvin Klein fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $28 and tops out at $2,388, while the average work can sell for $394.
Questions About Calvin Klein
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The Calvin Klein brand is known for their sensual ads featuring well-known celebrities as well as for producing simple, understated fashions. Among the brand's most popular offerings are fragrances, men's underwear and jeans for men, women and children. Find a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Calvin Klein is popular for a few reasons. Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear. Controversial marketing helped broaden the label’s reach, too. During the 1980s, Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. More eye-catching ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed in the ‘90s, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, Calvin Klein is a good brand. Known for minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are versatile components of everyday wear. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All