Calvin Klein, a name synonymous with modern elegance and minimalist design, is one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born Calvin Richard Klein on November 19, 1942, in The Bronx, New York, USA, Klein rose to fame as the founder of the globally renowned fashion brand, Calvin Klein Inc.. Known for revolutionizing the fashion industry through clean lines, provocative advertising, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Klein’s story is as inspiring as it is iconic.
Quick Facts
Full Name | Calvin Richard Klein |
Birth Date | November 19, 1942 |
Birth Place | Bronx, New York, USA |
Age | 82 years old |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Father’s Name | Leo Klein |
Father’s Occupation | Family grocery store owner |
Mother’s Name | Flore Stern |
Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
Weight | Approximately 165 pounds (75 kg) |
Marital Status | Twice divorced |
Children | One daughter, Marci Klein |
Current Residence | New York City, USA |
Net Worth | Estimated at $800 million (2024) |
Car Collection | Luxury sedans and sports cars |
No public personal Instagram account | |
Close Friends | Andy Warhol, Barry K. Schwartz |
Early Life and Family Background
Calvin Richard Klein was born into a modest Jewish family in the Bronx, New York. His father, Leo Klein, managed a family grocery store, while his mother, Flore Stern, dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting her husband’s business. From an early age, Klein showed a keen interest in art and fashion, heavily influenced by his grandmother, a skilled seamstress who inspired him to experiment with design.
Klein was one of three children, though the details about his siblings are kept largely private. Despite growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Klein nurtured big dreams, immersing himself in fashion magazines and developing his sketching skills.
Education
Klein’s journey in fashion officially began at High School of Art and Design, where he honed his skills in illustration and design. After graduating, he enrolled at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, earning his degree in 1962. Klein’s education equipped him with technical expertise and a creative vision that would later define his career.
Career Highlights
Founding Calvin Klein Inc.
In 1968, Calvin Klein co-founded Calvin Klein Limited with his childhood friend and business partner, Barry K. Schwartz. Starting as a small coat shop located in New York’s York Hotel, the brand quickly gained recognition for its clean, minimalist designs that contrasted sharply with the bold and flamboyant styles of the time.
Expansion Into Sportswear and Denim
By the 1970s, Calvin Klein expanded into sportswear and denim, introducing the first designer jeans. His provocative advertising campaigns, featuring Brooke Shields with the tagline, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins,” catapulted the brand to global fame.
Underwear Revolution
In the 1980s, Klein redefined underwear as a fashion statement, making it an integral part of his brand identity. The iconic waistband featuring the Calvin Klein logo became a cultural phenomenon.
Fragrances
Klein also entered the fragrance market with groundbreaking scents like Obsession, Eternity, and CK One, which were as notable for their innovative marketing as their distinctive aromas.
Legacy
Through his leadership and creative vision, Calvin Klein built a global empire that remains a cornerstone of modern fashion. In 2002, he sold the company to PVH Corp. but continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest fashion innovators.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Calvin Klein married textile designer Jayne Centre in 1964, and the couple had a daughter, Marci Klein, who went on to become a producer for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. The marriage ended in divorce in 1974. In 1986, Klein married his assistant, Kelly Rector, but the couple divorced in 2006.
Close Friends and Influences
Klein’s circle included influential personalities such as Andy Warhol, with whom he shared a mutual admiration for art and fashion. His longtime business partner Barry K. Schwartz remained one of his closest confidants.
Home and Lifestyle
Calvin Klein resides in a luxurious apartment in New York City, reflecting his minimalist aesthetic. The residence, much like his designs, emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and a neutral color palette.
Physical Attributes
Calvin Klein maintains a slim and fit physique. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) and weighing approximately 165 pounds (75 kg), his appearance aligns with the polished image of his brand.
Car Collection
Although Klein keeps his personal life private, he is known to own a collection of luxury cars, including high-end sedans and sports models that reflect his refined taste.
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Calvin Klein’s net worth is estimated at $800 million, amassed through his successful career as a designer and the sale of his company.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Calvin Klein’s full name?
Calvin Richard Klein. - When was Calvin Klein born?
November 19, 1942. - How old is Calvin Klein?
He is 82 years old as of 2024. - What is Calvin Klein’s zodiac sign?
Scorpio. - Does Calvin Klein have children?
Yes, one daughter named Marci Klein. - What is Calvin Klein’s net worth?
Approximately $800 million. - Where does Calvin Klein live?
In New York City, USA. - Does Calvin Klein have a public Instagram account?
No, he does not have a public personal Instagram account. - What cars does Calvin Klein own?
His collection includes luxury sedans and sports cars. - Who are Calvin Klein’s closest friends?
His inner circle included personalities like Andy Warhol and Barry K. Schwartz.
In a Nutshell
Calvin Klein’s journey from a young boy sketching designs in the Bronx to a globally celebrated fashion icon is a testament to his talent, vision, and determination. His minimalist aesthetic, groundbreaking marketing campaigns, and innovative approach to fashion have left an indelible mark on the industry. Today, Calvin Klein remains a symbol of modern elegance and continues to inspire new generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. His story is not just about clothes—it’s about creating a lifestyle and redefining the concept of timeless sophistication.