Calvin Klein: A True Original?
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Calvin Klein has had a very interesting career. He actually began Calvin Klein Ltd in 1968, and it was a coat shop! Quite a journey to the images of the brand we have today. As early as 1969, the designer was considered to be the “supreme master of minimalism” and was already on the cover of Vogue. Minimalism is still very much a trademark associated with the brand today.
Calvin Klein, the brand, really gained notoriety in 1979, when their ads for jeans featured a fifteen year old Brooke Shields stating, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins!” At the time, this was considered to be quite edgy and risqué! Never a brand that has been conservative or traditional, Calvin Klein continued to push the envelope, both in concept and delivery. Mark Wahlberg made boxer shorts, thereafter referred to as “Calvins”, shockingly famous with his racy Times Square billboard. Calvin Klein is also responsible for launching the career of then teenage model Kate Moss. Remember the concept of ‘Heroin Chic’?
As often occurs in the world of luxury brands, a fragrance and cosmetics branch soon followed the success of the fashion label. Again, both the Calvin Klein ideas and campaigns were original and cutting edge. Remember ‘ck one’? It launched in 1994, and is credited as being the first unisex fragrance.
On a recent trip to South Beach Florida, the man behind the brand, designer Calvin Klein, was photographed looking rather buff for his 65 years of age. Perhaps working out is his latest Obsession. But riddle me this: For a man who has built his entire reputation on cutting edge styles, how can he be wearing an old gold Rolex as his watch of choice? Where’s the edge? Where’s the risk? Where’s the originality? I am sure there are many watch companies who would love to be associated with the man who has been such a fashion pioneer! Did he sell out, when he sold off his brands? It seems an uncharacteristically traditional choice. Perhaps it’s a family piece, say something that’s been around for an Eternity?
Need your help on this one.
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| On Calvin Klein: A True Original? : Calvin Klein |
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