Calvin Klein
PVH Corp. · United States
Calvin Klein is an American fashion brand founded in New York in 1968 by Calvin Klein and Barry Schwartz and owned by PVH Corp. since 2003. Known for minimalism, underwear, jeans and fragrance, it relaunched its runway line Calvin Klein Collection under creative director Veronica Leoni, appointed in 2024.
| Founded | 1968, New York |
|---|---|
| Founders | Calvin Klein and Barry Schwartz |
| Owner | PVH Corp. (since 2003) |
| Creative director, Collection | Veronica Leoni (since 2024) |
| Headquarters | New York City |
| PVH CEO | Stefan Larsson (since 2021) |
| Website | calvinklein.com |
What is Calvin Klein?
Calvin Klein is a global lifestyle brand defined by simplicity and sensual minimalism. Alongside Tommy Hilfiger, it is one of the two core brands of PVH Corp., and its best-known products include underwear, jeans and fragrances.
History
Designer Calvin Klein and his childhood friend Barry Schwartz founded the company in 1968, starting as a coat business in New York. Klein won the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award three years running from 1973 and became known for pioneering designer jeans and for advertising that pushed boundaries, such as campaigns featuring Brooke Shields in 1980 and Mark Wahlberg in 1992.
PVH, then Phillips-Van Heusen, acquired Calvin Klein in 2002 and 2003. In 2013 it bought Warnaco, the long-time licensee for Calvin Klein jeans and underwear, bringing these businesses in-house. Raf Simons served as chief creative officer from 2016 to 2018, after which the runway line was paused. In May 2024 PVH appointed Veronica Leoni as creative director of the revived Calvin Klein Collection; her debut show in February 2025 was the brand's first runway in several years.
Products and positioning
The brand spans ready to wear for men and women, underwear, jeans, sportswear, accessories, fragrance and home. Calvin Klein Collection occupies the designer tier, while the broader brand sits in the premium segment. Fragrances are licensed to Coty.
Business model and distribution
- Own stores: Calvin Klein stores worldwide, plus partner-operated stores in Asia and the Middle East
- Wholesale: department stores such as Macy's, Nordstrom and Dillard's
- E-commerce: brand websites and digital marketplaces, particularly for underwear and fragrance
- Licensing: fragrance, eyewear, watches and other categories
PVH's PVH+ Plan prioritises consumer engagement, a digitally led marketplace presence and a demand and data-driven operating model.
Why it matters
Calvin Klein turned underwear, jeans and fragrance into global designer categories and remains one of the most recognised fashion names in the world. The return of its runway line is a test of whether a large licensed and wholesale-driven brand can rebuild cultural relevance at the top of its range.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Calvin Klein?
Calvin Klein is owned by PVH Corp., which acquired it in 2002 and 2003. PVH also owns Tommy Hilfiger and is led by chief executive Stefan Larsson.
Who is the creative director of Calvin Klein?
Veronica Leoni was appointed creative director of Calvin Klein Collection in May 2024 and presented her debut collection in February 2025.
