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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.

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Period: 1990s
Designer: Calvin Klein
New 1990s Calvin Klein Collection Slate Gray Sexy One Piece Swimsuit / Bodysuit
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy never worn 90s vintage CALVIN KLEIN slate grey one piece cut-out swimsuit or bodysuit! The perfect alternative to black, this beauty features just the right amount of metallic ...
Category

1990s Calvin Klein

c. 1994 Calvin Klein White Silk Gown with Bronze Loop Side Details
By Calvin Klein
Located in North Hollywood, CA
c. 1994 Calvin Klein white silk long sleeve gown with open sleeves and bronze loop details at sides, with raw unfinished hem. Snap closures at shoulders. Fabric Contents: 100% Silk. ...
Category

1990s Calvin Klein

Vintage Calvin Klein Silver Evening Gown
By Calvin Klein
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage silver evening gown by Calvin Klein. The dress is in a silk and silver textured fabric mix , and has spaghetti straps and a sid...
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1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein 1990s Velvet Slip Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 90's Calvin Klein Black Velvet Slip Dress with Chiffon Detailing and back slit. Bust 34 in Waist 30 in Hips 34 in Length 45 in Marked Size US 10 Excellent Vintage Conditi...
Category

1990s Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein collection by Calvin Klein vintage 1990's tailored pin stripe suit
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in Antwerp, BE
90s minimalism Calvin Klein collections by Calvin Klein vintage clean-lined pinstripe suit. No size label. Please go by measurements taken flat - Jac...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

Red silk top and skirt ensemble with black Polka dots Calvin Klein
By Calvin Klein
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red silk top and skirt ensemble with black Polka dots. Black buttons on the left side of the top and the skirt. Fabric buttons on the cuffs. Shoulder-pad. Cut-work on the waist. Siz...
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1990s Hong Kong Calvin Klein

1990s Calvin Klein Black Lace Vintage Bodycon Sexy Sheer 90s Crop Top Blouse
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage 90s CALVIN KLEIN black lace cropped top shirt ! Features a fine soft lace that stretches to fit. Tailored body, with sleek long sleeves. ...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

Vintage Calvin Klein 1990s Black Lace Sexy Long Sleeve 90s Bodysuit Onesie
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage rare early CALVIN KLEIN 1990s black lace bodysuit! All over black regal lace. Amazing bodycon fit, that is extremely versatile. Can eas...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

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

1990s Calvin Klein

1990s Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Black Rayon Jersey Short Sleeve Dress LBD
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
The perfect black dress! Vintage Calvin Klein Collection 90s black rayon jersey dress. Double-ply jersey, with a figure flattering fit. Hugs he bod...
Category

1990s Italian 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

1990s Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Black and Brown Color Block Silk Top
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Calvin Klein Collection black and chocolate brown silk blouse! Wonderful geometric print. Slightly flared sleeves, with a body hugg...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

1990s Calvin Klein Collection Cashmere Size 8 Brown Vintage 90s Jacket
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1990s CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION brown cashmere blend jacket! Features the softest cashmere (47%), wool (30%), angora (20%), and spandex (3%) fabric. Sleek tailored fit. Zi...
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

1990s Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Black Long Sleeve Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
The perfect sweater little black dress! 100% lightweight extra virgin wool, with attached silk slip. Light wool provides a semi-sheer effect, with the silk slip covering the mid-sect...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

1990s Calvin Klein Collection Ivory Silk Mini Skirt Or Strapless Top Unworn 90s
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1990s unworn CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION silk mini skirt OR strapless top! This is one of those pieces that TRULY can be worn as wither a skirt or blouse, and looks like it ...
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Vintage Calvin Klein Collection 1990s Burgundy Maroon Size 4 /6 Blazer Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION burgundy / maroon virgin wool blazer jacket! Features a smart tailored fit, with three hidden buttons down the front....
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads. Beautiful Lace hem extends past chiffon linin...
Category

1990s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Collection 1990s Size 6 8 Seersucker Utility Vintage 90s Vest Shirt
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION for BERGDORF GOODMAN Size 8 seersucker utility vest top ! Features a thin seersucker print in blue and white. Hidden buttons up the front. Cargo style...
Category

1990s Italian 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

Wonderful Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Bamboo Stripe Silk Kimono Wrap Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful vintage 1990s Calvin Klein Collection 'bamboo' striped silk wrap dress! Warm tones of grey, black, and taupe, with contrasting stripes throughout create an ultra slimming e...
Category

1990s Italian Calvin Klein

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1970s Bill Blass Vintage Purple Swimsuit W Low Back in Purple and Ivory
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Gianni Versace red cotton cutwork mini skirt suit, ss 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace red cotton mini skirt suit ▪ Cutwork technique ▪ Fitted jacket with metal corset hooks ▪ High waisted mini skirt ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - U...
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Early 2000s Italian Calvin Klein

Saint Laurent F/W 2018 Black Dress by Anthony Vaccarello
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Saint Laurent F/W 2018 Black Dress by Anthony Vaccarello features a lavallière tie-neck collar detail. . Cut out along the chest neck . Rushed skirt . invisible zip closure . Pointe...
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RICHARD TYLER Size 10 Black Jersey Strapless Bead Embroidered Gown/Evening Wear
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Located in San Francisco, CA
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1970s Italian Calvin Klein

Previously Available Items
1990s Calvin Klein Green Floral Devoré Velvet Sheer Full Length Slip Gown
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
Located in West Hollywood, CA
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1990s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein S/S 1997 double-layered black mesh / blue wiggle dress
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
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1990s 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
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1990s Italian Calvin Klein

Vintage Calvin Klein 1990s Suede Leather Size 4 / 6 High Waist Midi Pencil Skirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s CALVIN KLEIN high waisted vintage tan suede leather midi pencil skirt! Flattering high waist with a sleek tailored fit. Fully lined. Hi...
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1990s American Calvin Klein

Vintage Calvin Klein Collection 1990s Brown Leather + Silver Chain Link 90s Belt
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing early 90s CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION chocolate brown leather and silver metal belt! Features large Avant Garde silver metal square links. Brown l...
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1990s Italian Calvin Klein

1990's Calvin Klein Sheer Nude Lace Bodysuit Top S/M
By Calvin Klein
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 1990's Calvin Klein Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- there is a small area of lace that is slightly lighter than the rest, it seems to ...
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1990s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Halter Cotton Dress with Train
By Calvin Klein
Located in Carmel, CA
Powder blue Calvin Klein minimalist baby blue pastel cotton dress features a halter neck tie closure and a back zipper with hook-and-eye fastening. Dress has a dramatic train hem and...
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1990s Italian Calvin Klein

1990s CK Calvin Klein Tuxedo Vest Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the Gaultier Dress we also have listed this is a great piece on it[s own as a dress or layered as an outer layer over a shirt and trousers.
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1990s American Calvin Klein

1990's Calvin Klein Collection Silver Metallic Strapless Cocktail Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in Studio City, CA
1990's Calvin Klein collection silver mesh strapless cocktail dress lined with nude colored silk. In excellent condition - no size tag please consult measurements. MEASUREMENTS: Bust...
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NWT $3k 1990s Calvin Klein Size 10 Nude Silk Chiffon Beaded 90s Babydoll Dress
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Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous and flirty brand new (with tags) nude / tan heavily beaded babydoll dress! Features thousands of hand-sewn clear iridescent seed beads throughout. Flattering racerback cris...
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1990s American Calvin Klein

1930's Style Ralph Lauren Black Label Bias Cut Tape Lace Gown. 1990's.
By Calvin Klein
Located in University City, MO
This Irish tape lace gown is just so romantic. Flattering 1930's style bias cut gown by Ralph Lauren Black Label. The detail in this is just incredible! Makes the perfect tea dress b...
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1990s American Calvin Klein

Vintage 1990's Calvin Klein Black Velvet Burnout Bias Slip Gown
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990's Calvin Klein black floral velvet burnout bias dress featuring spaghetti straps, plunging neckline an open back. Gorgeous and easy fit.
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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 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 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 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.

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