Who Owns Calvin Klein?

Calvin Klein was founded in 1968 by American fashion designer Calvin Klein. The brand launched with a coat shop in the York Hotel in New York City, initially focusing on coats and suits. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for minimalist, sophisticated fashion while establishing a distinctive aesthetic that would define American fashion for generations.

The brand gained national attention in the 1970s for its minimalist, clean designs and provocative advertising campaigns. Calvin Klein jeans became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1970s and 1980s with Brooke Shields' famous campaign, which featured the controversial tagline "You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing." This bold marketing approach demonstrated Calvin Klein's exceptional ability to create cultural moments while establishing the brand as a leader in provocative fashion advertising.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Calvin Klein expanded into underwear, fragrances, and ready-to-wear collections. The brand became known for its minimalist aesthetic, neutral color palette, and controversial advertising featuring models like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg. This period of expansion demonstrated Calvin Klein's ability to diversify its product portfolio while maintaining a consistent brand identity and aesthetic across multiple fashion categories.

In 2002, Calvin Klein sold his company to Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (now PVH Corporation) for approximately $400 million. Under PVH ownership, Calvin Klein has expanded globally while maintaining its minimalist aesthetic. This strategic acquisition demonstrated PVH's exceptional ability to identify and acquire iconic fashion brands with strong brand equity while providing the resources necessary for global expansion and continued innovation.