Calvin Sideboards

American

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Calvin Furniture opened its doors in 1953 and became a sought-after contract manufacturer for the day’s top furniture designers and brands. Its appealing mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency offerings — nightstands, dressers and more — graced the showrooms of department stores all over North America during the 1950s and 1960s.

Calvin’s relationship with the work of Massachusetts-born designer Paul McCobb is well known to enthusiasts of mid-century modern furniture. McCobb, whose unadorned and efficient storage pieces, seating and desks drew on Shaker simplicity and Bauhaus minimalism, wasn’t exactly a designer for Calvin — in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company in Manhattan in 1949, and Calvin was one of the manufacturers contracted to produce the furniture he designed for Directional (and later, for pieces designed under his own name).

Among McCobb’s most acclaimed lines made by Calvin Furniture were the Calvin Group and the Irwin Collection. The travertine-topped sideboards and mahogany nightstands of those lines as well as the other Calvin-produced dressers, bookcases and chests of drawers designed by McCobb were elegant and spare, free of unnecessary embellishments.

Calvin also manufactured the very popular American Design Foundation line of furniture that Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall designed. The Pennsylvania-born, California-raised MacDougall enjoyed a postwar collaboration with West Coast native Stewart that resulted in great success with manufacturers such as Glenn of California and Drexel Furniture. The duo’s celebrated Declaration line for the latter featured streamlined credenzas, dressers and more made in walnut with comely porcelain hardware. The dining chairs, tables and coffee tables manufactured by Calvin flaunt the pair’s signature clean lines, gentle curves and organic shapes.

In the late 1950s and early ‘60s, Calvin Furniture continued its business relationship with B.G. Mesberg National Sales and Directional Furniture. Calvin finally closed their doors during the early 1970s, but their legacy can be found in enduring pieces of modern furniture that remain popular today.

On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage Calvin Furniture tables, credenzas, chairs and more.

Creator: Calvin

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Sideboard, Credenza, Newly Refinished

$4,995

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Sideboard, Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, dresser, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahog...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

1950s Paul McCobb Irwin Collection for Calvin Sideboard with Display Storage Top

$7,775 / set

1950s Paul McCobb Irwin Collection for Calvin Sideboard with Display Storage Top

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Calvin credenza in mahogany & square tube brass accents with removable display or storage top. From one owner family who purchased it in the early ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut

$12,500

MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Portland, OR

An original & iconic Mid-Century Modern credenza / wall unit model # C8506, designed by Paul Mc Cobb "The Irwin Collection" for Calvin Furniture, 1952. Condition is excellent! A very rare twin section walnut brass & leather cabinet designed by Paul Mc Cobb, the top having brass dividers/supports with two moveable modular units one with four drawers the other with twin cupboard doors. This model is very rare, possibly a commission piece with leather fronts to the doors, most of the C8506 models had plain wood or doors with caning. The cabinet is also fitted with two original smoked glass shelves, the cabinet is fitted with a brass tag to one of the drawers "Calvin Grand Rapids The Irwin Collection designed by Paul Mc Cobb". The base with corresponding brass legs to the front & rear, the cabinet with four 'concertina' doors fitted with the original Oxblood color leather and enclosing a fitted interior. Condition is very good indeed, the cabinet having been recently professionally restored in Bloomsbury's workshop. Provenance, the cabinet belonged to a prominent local architect and was acquired from new. Bloomsbury Fine...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Sideboard Credenza, Refinished

$6,995

Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Sideboard Credenza, Refinished

By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, bar cabinet, or credenza By Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Walnut, with rosewood inlays, and original brass hardwa...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Credenza with Travertine Top

$4,600

Paul McCobb Credenza with Travertine Top

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish midcentury sideboard features the iconic design of Paul McCobb and boasts vintage mahogany finish and a striking travertine top. Tapered brass legs add to the appeal of ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Calvin Group Credenza

$5,400

Paul McCobb Calvin Group Credenza

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Classic Paul McCobb sideboard, server, credenza for Clavin. The cabinet has two sliding doors, each with leather fronts, and a metal handle. The doors open to interior storage. The u...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Travertine Top Black Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

$5,800

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Travertine Top Black Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

By Calvin Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Travertine Top Mah...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Travertine

Paul McCobb Eight-Drawer Dresser Marble Top for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

$6,800Sale Price|20% Off

Paul McCobb Eight-Drawer Dresser Marble Top for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Camden, ME

Paul McCobb eight-drawer walnut dresser is part of McCobb's Irwin line manufactured by Calvin Furniture of Grand Rapids during the 1950s. The cabinet has 2 folding doors of three pa...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Marble

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Bookcase Shelf

$4,595

H 31 in W 59 in D 16.5 in

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Bookcase Shelf

By Kipp Stewart, Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Bookcase Shelf This bookcase measures: 59 wide x 16.5 deep x 31 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Ello Herringbone Travertine & Chrome Credenza

$3,000

H 29.75 in W 51.5 in D 21.25 in

Ello Herringbone Travertine & Chrome Credenza

By Ello Furniture

Located in Denton, TX

Ello Petite Herringbone design Travertine & Chrome Credenza. dual interior cabinets with adjustable shelf.

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Travertine, Chrome

Modern McCobb Style Sideboard

$2,300

H 30 in W 56 in D 17.5 in

Modern McCobb Style Sideboard

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Midcentury style walnut cabinet with off white storage doors and drawers. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer)..

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin

$7,800

H 34.25 in W 71.25 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin

By Paul McCobb, Irwin Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin-"Irwin Collection" walnut case with solid tapered legs connecting cross stretchers, finished on backside, travertine marble top, accordion folding do...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Travertine

Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group

$4,600

H 29 in W 54.25 in D 15 in

Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk

$3,295

H 29.25 in W 60 in D 24 in

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk

By Drexel, Kipp Stewart

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration mid-century walnut writing desk. The desk measures: 60 wide x 24 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches. All pieces of fur...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished

$5,500

H 50 in W 48.25 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished

By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by The Lane Furniture Company c 1950/60's

$3,600

H 76.25 in W 18 in D 81.75 in

Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by The Lane Furniture Company c 1950/60's

By Lane Furniture

Located in New York, NY

Chic, architectural scale sideboard, server, credenza featuring a bottom cabinet with a stylized concave front, which supports a shelf unit with two large swing out doors. The lower ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin The Irwin Collection

$8,800

H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin The Irwin Collection

By Irwin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin, The Irwin Collection,model 7306 features, Mahogany wood screenfold doors with piano hinges and magnetic catches conceals 16 total drawers, br...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

$4,495

H 34.25 in W 60 in D 18.13 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacque...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

$4,700Sale Price|20% Off

H 36 in W 66 in D 19.5 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional

Located in Miami, FL

All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

$18,000

H 84 in W 71.25 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection features a bottom crede...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Console by Calvin Group, Model C9315

Sold

H 29 in W 19 in D 60 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Console by Calvin Group, Model C9315

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in San Diego, CA

A striking example of timeless American modernism, this rare Paul McCobb console from the Irwin Collection for the Calvin Group (Model C9315) blends sculptural elegance with though...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Marble, Brass

Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin Group

Sold

H 32.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin Group

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Trenton, NJ

This impressive mid-century modern sideboard by Paul McCobb for Directional Furnitures Calvin Group features trifold doors that conceal spacious interior ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Wood

Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

Sold

H 35 in W 72 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul Mccbb “Irwin Collection” credenza for Calvin Furniture, 1950’s Measures: 72” L x 19” D x 35” H Vitrolite top, bleached mahogany, brass base Metal tag inside drawer C...

Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet

Sold

H 34.5 in W 48.13 in D 19.13 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet

By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black la...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet

Sold

H 36.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet

By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard server or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany, Leather, and Brass Credenza, 1950s

Sold

H 33 in W 71.25 in D 19.25 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany, Leather, and Brass Credenza, 1950s

By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Paul McCobb Credenza, Irwin Collection

Sold

H 29 in W 71.5 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Paul McCobb Credenza, Irwin Collection

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Manhasset, NY

MCM Paul McCobb designed "Irwin collection" sideboard or credenza, of bleached British Honduran mahogany with white travertine marble top, manufactured by the Calvin Furniture Compan...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Marble

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza

Sold

H 33.75 in W 71.25 in L 33.75 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century walnut and cane credenza This credenza measures: 71.25 wide x 19 deep x 33.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Bleached Mahogany and Brass Sideboard with Hutch

Sold

H 34 in W 71.25 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Bleached Mahogany and Brass Sideboard with Hutch

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century bleached mahogany and brass sideboard with hutch The sideboard measures: 71.25 wide x 19 deep x 34 inches high (exact measurements for the hutc...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Sideboard, Server, Credenza with Dual Tri-Fold Doors

Sold

H 19 in W 71 in L 19 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Sideboard, Server, Credenza with Dual Tri-Fold Doors

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Buffalo, NY

Paul McCobb for Calvin sideboard ,server, credenza with Dual Tri-Fold Doors. Stunning grained walnut, Simple, understated elegance. Piano-hinge trifold doors, finished back, brass de...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany Credenza or Bar Cabinet, Newly Refinished

Sold

H 32.25 in W 60 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany Credenza or Bar Cabinet, Newly Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Mahogany, with white carrara...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Milk Glass, Mahogany

Ebonized Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb For Calvin

Sold

H 30.75 in W 48 in D 19 in

Ebonized Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb For Calvin

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, sideboard cabinet by Paul McCobb for Calvin features a 4 drawer ebonized mahogany top on a minimal gilt steel frame with brass pulls. The sideboard is finished on...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Sideboards

Materials

Brass, Steel

Calvin sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Calvin sideboards are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Calvin sideboards, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sideboards by Calvin were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sideboards by George Nelson, Harvey Probber, and Herman Miller. Prices for Calvin sideboards can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,475 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.

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Questions About Calvin Sideboards

What is the difference between CK Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between CK Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein is that one is a fashion line and the other is a fashion house. Designer Calvin Klein founded Calvin Klein in New York City in 1968. Over the years, the Calvin Klein company has produced numerous lines of clothing and accessories. One such line is CK Calvin Klein, a diffusion line of casual clothing and accessories sold at economical price points. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Calvin Klein pieces.
What is the difference between Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Collection?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Collection is in what each name describes. Calvin Klein is the name of the overall fashion house founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Until its discontinuation in 2019, the Calvin Klein Collection was the line of luxury clothing and accessories produced by the Calvin Klein company. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
Why is Calvin Klein famous?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
Calvin Klein is famous for his work as a fashion designer. He is known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear. During the 1970s, the American designer helped lead the denim craze, and he became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973. His jeans continued to dominate the market during the 1980s, a decade that also saw the Calvin Klein brand expand into men's and women's underwear. The brand Klein founded remains one of the best-known American fashion labels today. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
Why is Calvin Klein so popular?
1 Answer
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.
What is the Calvin Klein brand known for?
1 Answer
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.
Is Calvin Klein considered designer?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
Yes, Calvin Klein is considered designer. Generally, a designer brand is any that features pieces produced by a particular fashion designer. Calvin Klein fits the definition, having been founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Following Klein's retirement in 2004, other designers, such as Eric Sedeño and Jessica Lomax, have served as creative directors for Calvin Klein. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
When did Calvin Klein become popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Calvin Klein became popular in the 1970s and ’80s. During that decade, the American fashion designer 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 were owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein competed with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in provocative ads featuring Brooke Shields and others. The decade also 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.

Find a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
Is Calvin Klein a good brand?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between Calvin Klein and Anne Klein?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between Calvin Klein and Anne Klein is that they are two different companies. American designer Calvin Klein founded his eponymous brand in New York City in 1968. That same year in New York, American fashion designer Anne Klein established Anne Klein & Company. Although they share a surname, the two designers are not related, and neither are the brands they created. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Calvin Klein and Anne Klein apparel and accessories.

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