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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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Designer: Calvin Klein
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2000S CALVIN KLEIN Burgundy Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Patchwork Cut-Out Go
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
2000S CALVIN KLEIN Burgundy Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Patchwork Cut-Out Gown With Very Full Skirt
Category

Early 2000s 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 Black & White Calvin Klein Herringbone Wool Skirt Size US 6
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Vintage black and white herringbone wool skirt by Calvin Klein. Side closure. 27" waist, 31" hips, 20.5" length.
Category

Early 20th Century American Calvin Klein

Vintage Black & White Calvin Klein Wool Herringbone Jacket Size US 8
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Vintage black and white wool herringbone jacket by Calvin Klein. Crew neck. Double-breasted button closures at front. 36" bust, 17" shoulder width, 23" sleeve length, 21.5" length.
Category

Early 20th Century American Calvin Klein

NEW Calvin Klein Black Long Duvet Down Puffer Coat with Faux Fur Hood
By Calvin Klein
Located in Boston, MA
New 90% down, 10% feather stuffed puffer coat from Calvin Klein. Shiny quality silver hardware including CK logo on sleeve and engraved zipper heads. NEW.
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2010s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein suit
By Calvin Klein
Located in Paris, FR
CK 00S Anthracite suit Tag CK Size S TAILORED JACKET Shoulder 37cm Chest 37cm Length 50cm Sleeve 50cm 2 buttons on the front 2 fake pockets TROUSER Waist 3...
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Early 2000s European Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons red sequins draped hem dress US4 S
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons red sequins draped hem dress US4 S Reference: NKLL/A00028 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Polyester, Blend ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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...
Category

1990s Italian 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 RAF SIMONS blue floral jacquard sleeveless top Fr36 S
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC RAF SIMONS blue floral jacquard sleeveless top Fr36 S Reference: LNKO/A01704 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Material: Acetate Color: Blue Pattern: Fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS Reference: CLYG/A00023 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS Reference: CLYG/A00022 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Calvin Klein

Orange Calvin Klein Collection Cashmere Peacoat
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Orange cashmere double-breasted peacoat by Calvin Klein Collection. Notched lapel. Dual hip pockets. Button closures at front. 30" bust, 16" shoulder width, 25" sleeve length, 30" le...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Black Cotton Reflective Fireman Jacket
By Calvin Klein
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Infuse an extra dose of style into your outfit with this highly fashionable jacket. Tailored from quality materials, it embodies a contemporary vibe and is filled with functional cha...
Category

2010s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Silk Maxi Dress with Intricate Seaming
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black fine silk dress gown from Calvin Klein. The detail is amazing in the intricate assembling of diamond shapes forming the bodice through to the hips. It has a stand up...
Category

Early 2000s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Bear Berkeley T-Shirt
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Tương Mai Ward, Hoang Mai District
Raf Simons played with the bright hues and nostalgic associations of America's sunniest university for this capsule, which was release for his pre-spring 2019 collection via 205W39NY...
Category

2010s American Calvin Klein

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31"
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31" Reference: YNWG/A00174 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Cotton...
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21st Century and Contemporary 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 1990s Cashmere Blend Bias sheer Seam Classic Fit & Flair Dress 8
By Calvin Klein
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Classic Calvin Klein black cashmere/wool blend bias, peek-a-boo seam dress. Vintage Klein at his best, this dress is sophisticated and perfect for day to...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian 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...
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1990s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Spring 1979 Wrap Belt Documented
By Calvin Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Calvin Klein Belt Spring 1979 Documented Double layer with piping Can be wrapped many ways One Size Excellent Condition Neutral color palette Feels like heavy canvas or Be...
Category

1970s Unknown 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

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...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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 Blue Synthetic Zip Front Oversized Rain Overcoat M
By Calvin Klein
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This rain overcoat comes in Calvin Klein's signature luxe design. It is made from nylon fabric and designed in an oversized silhouette. The stylish and functional coat has a zip clos...
Category

2010s American Calvin Klein

1990s Vintage Calvin Klein Collection Black Rayon Jersey Short Sleeve Dress LBD
By Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Collection
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...
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1990s 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

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

Vintage Calvin Klein Brown 1980s Glen Plaid Double Breasted 80s Wool Jacket Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 1980s vintage CALVIN KLEIN brown glen plaid double breasted wool jacket coat! Classic silhouette with neutral colors of brown, tan and black throughout. Pockets at each si...
Category

1980s Italian Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Black Sheath Dress
By Calvin Klein
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Calvin Klein vintage 2000s dress. Round neckline, incorporated into the dress is a long soft jacket. Black color, 95% polyester, 5% spandex fabric...
Category

Early 2000s Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein 1970s Red Orange Coat w/ Belt
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
Calvin Klein 1970s Red Orange Coat w/ Belt. Hidden placket button and snap front closure. Front pockets. Fully lined. Aprox US Women's size 6-8.
Category

1970s American Calvin Klein

1990s Calvin Klein Collection Cashmere Size 8 Brown Vintage 90s Jacket
By Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein
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

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons pastel yellow green western flap pocket shirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons pastel yellow green western flap pocket shirt US6 S Reference: CLYG/A00048 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Material: Cotton Color: Yel...
Category

2010s 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

1980S Calvin Klein Black & Gold Yellow Silk Crepe De Chine Modernist Envelope B
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Very rare and cool early 1980s piece from one of Americas biggest names, from before he became the giant global brand he is today. 1980S Calvin Klein Black & Gold Yellow Silk Crepe ...
Category

1980s 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...
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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

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

Calvin Klein "collection" black crepe maxi skirt
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Calvin Klein black maxi skirt is cut slightly flare. The skirt has a center back zipper which measures 7". The waistband measures 1" in height, 30" in the waist. The length m...
Category

1980s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Faux Fur Coat
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Before Calvin Klein established himself as an American Modernist designer, his company produced coats on 7th Ave. American manufacturers looked to Europe back in the day and this coat is obviously influenced by Gucci. This Calvin Klein faux seal fur coat...
Category

1970s American 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

Calvin Klein Logo Scarf
By Calvin Klein
Located in New York, NY
Calvin Klein Logo Scarf with iconic signature font. Reproduced as a degrading font on evergreen cotton base. 1970's USA. Excellent condition. Square 22&qu...
Category

1970s American Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Fanny pack
By Calvin Klein
Located in Capri, IT
Calvin Klein Fanny pack belt total lenght 105 cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown 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 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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