Calvin Klein Jeans

Calvin Klein was born in 1942, Calvin Klein taught himself how to sketch and sew as a boy. Calvin Klein began his foray into the fashion industry with his training at the New York Institute of Technology. He went on to launch his own label, in partnership with childhood friend Barry Schwartz, in 1968. Dubbed 'Calvin the Conqueror' by WWD and listed as one of America's 25 most influential people by Time, Klein has helped shape the casual wear industry and played a key role in modern advertising. He caused a storm of controversy when he had Richard Avedon photograph a pubescent Brooke Shields for his 1979 jeans campaign under the slogan, "You know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing." British waif Kate Moss was to follow, helping to launch his unisex perfume cK one, one of nine Klein perfume lines. The recipient of many industry awards, including the title of America's Best Designer of 1993, Klein is also on numerous committees, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Now divorced from socialite and photographer Kelly Klein, he has one daughter, Marci.