Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Calvin Klein initially experienced the garment industry as a child in his grandmother’s New York City tailoring business. He would one day establish a global fashion brand — the Bronx native led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s, and vintage Calvin Klein skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear.
Klein was born in 1942. He joined his mother on trips to designer discount store Loehmann’s and visited his grandmother's seamstress shop, where he was able to witness the particulars of clothing design in his youth. As a teen, Klein started making fashion sketches and attended the High School of Art and Design and the Art Students League of New York. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1963.
Klein worked with coat manufacturer Dan Millstein after his studies had concluded. In 1968, he partnered with his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz, and opened a small coat and dress shop in the York Hotel in Manhattan. Schwartz ran the business side of things while Klein took the reins on creative direction. The designer’s work was soon stocked at Bonwit Teller — and appeared in large ads in the New York Times — and in 1969, a model sported a Calvin Klein coat on the cover of Vogue.
During the 1970s, Klein added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years.
Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.
A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein would be competing with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. The decade saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.
Though profits declined in the early 1990s, Klein saved the business with successful underwear, sportswear and fragrance lines. More controversial ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. In 2002, the Calvin Klein company was sold to Phillips Van Heusen Corp. Belgian designer Raf Simons was named chief creative officer at the brand in 2016.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Calvin Klein clothing, accessories and handbags.
Calvin Klein Women's High Waist Wide Leg Long Pants in Lined Wool Chiffon
By Calvin Klein
Located in valatie, NY
Calvin Klein Woman's High Wide Leg Long Pants in 100% Lined Wool Chiffon, With Concealed Button and Zip Fastening on the Side. These pants are a long women's trousers cut with a loos...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31"
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31" Reference: YNWG/A00174 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Cotton...
$128Sale Price|20% Off
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31"
By Calvin Klein, Raf Simons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31" Reference: YNWG/A00174 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Cotton...
Dries Van Noten Men Jeans Runway Show Piece Size 30
By Dries van Noten
Located in Kaunas, LT
Check my other listings. Have many more designer clothes for sale. Open to any offers. Item for sale is 100% genuine Dries Van Noten Jeans from Runway Show, VIPE0 Color: multi (An ac...
CHANEL black cotton WIDE LEG Pants 44 XXL
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel wide-leg pants in black cotton (100%) with two side pockets in the front. Closes with a concealed zipper and a metallic button in the front. Includes one additi...
$250
Size: 33" - 38"; true to size
Men’s Blue Spirit of Scotland Tartan Plaid Golf Trousers , Harrod’s – 38", 1980s
Located in Tucson, AZ
As suitable for 18 holes at St Andrews as Christmas with the inlaws, these incredible trousers will take you through the year with Scottish flair; perfect for pairing with a cardigan or turtleneck. Lightweight cotton poplin trousers with gentle front pleats, belt loops and two on-seam side pockets in front and single buttoned slash pocket at right rear; 1 ¼” cuffs. Front zip fly closure with double metal tab waistband and gusseted crotch. Trousers unlined but crotch is lined with tonal stripe acetate. fabric: lightweight cotton poplin noteworthy: machine wash in cool water, tumble dry and iron; or, dry clean only alterations: none condition: excellent measurements: waist: 38” hips: 49” rise: 12 ½” (including 1” waistband) inseam: 33” thigh circumference: 29” at upper thigh, 18 ½” at cuff length: 44 ½” (including 1” waistband) label: Oscar Jacobson...
Vintage Brocade Shorts
Located in London, GB
A chic pair of brocade shorts .They have a back zip and are fully lined Measurements waist 28'', hips 37'', inside leg 17''
Christian LaCroix Heavily Embroidered & Beaded Bootleg Distressed Denim Jeans
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Gresham, OR
Christian LaCroix Heavily Embroidered & Beaded Bootleg Distressed Denim Jeans: Geometric and floral motifs are embroidered in shades of yellow, chartreuse, pink and lavender with an ...
Chanel 1990s Sz 40 Suede Leather Black Knickers Vintage 90s Cropped Pants Shorts
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Vintage Chanel 1990s black suede pedal pusher shorts knickers / capri pants ! Features an elastic waistband, and elastic under the knees. Fully lined in CC log black silk. Pockets at each side of the waist. Silver metal plaque encrusted with the CC logo at left pocket. Can easily be dressed up or down. Made in France Marked Size 40 ( elastic waistband can accommodate an array of sizes ) Measurements: 28-34 inch waist 38-40 inch hips 11 inch rise 19 inch inseam Model in video is 5’8 feet tall The following items in the video are also available in my 1stdibs Shop: -1980s Guy Laroche sheer leopard animal print bodysuit - 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier cropped denim jacket with faux fur collar - 2000s Swarovski one-of-a-kind brown leather antler crossbody bag ( upcycled from a Swedish military ammo bag ) - Chanel Resort 2012 Runway black and white cashmere short sleeve sweater A beautifully preserved pair of early 1990s CHANEL black suede cropped pants, showcasing Karl Lagerfeld’s signature approach to elevated ease. The supple suede is paired with CHANEL’s iconic lattice-smocked elastic waistband and matching smocked cuffs, a design detail seen throughout the late 1980s–early 1990s collections. Effortless pull-on styling, side pockets, and a softly tapered leg create a silhouette that feels both luxurious and wearable. These rare CHANEL suede pants move seamlessly from day to evening. Style them with a crisp white blouse and ballet flats for timeless Parisian ease, or pair them with a fitted black turtleneck and heels for a sleek nighttime look. They also work beautifully with oversized knits, cropped jackets, or tailored blazers, making them a versatile alternative to a dress or skirt when you want texture and sophistication. A collector-worthy vintage CHANEL piece that blends comfort, craftsmanship, and classic 1990s chic. Chanel suede pants, vintage Chanel trousers...
LOUIS VUITTON black polyamide 2020 STENCIL MONOGRAM JOGGING Pants 40 M
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton jogging pants in black polyamide (100%) offer a sleek blend of luxury and sporty style. Adorned with a whi...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black wool blend CATCH STITCH FLARED Pants 38 XS
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alexander McQueen flared pants in black wool and elastane (assumed cause tag is missing). Feature a white stitched hem, two slit pockets on the front and zipped cuffs....
Kaki silk backless sarouel jumpsuit CHLOE
By Chloé
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki silk backless sarouel jumpsuit . Draped on the waist . Hook&eye closure on the left side. Hook&eye closure behind the neck. SIZE 38/M
Issey Miyake pants 'pleats please' 1996
By Issey Miyake
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ISSEY MIYAKE - (Made in Japan) "Pleats Please" short pants in black, blue, and green tones. Size 2. 1996 Fall-Winter Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size: 35...
GIVENCHY black leather ZIPPER TRIM Skinny Leg Pants 38 S
By Givenchy
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Givenchy pants in black lambskin leather (100%) with zipper detail on the waist-line and at the hem on the back. Closes with one button and a zipper on the front. Lined in ...
Prada Navy Medium-Weight Silk with Ribbon Waistband Trousers
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
Prada navy tapered trousers are detailed with a silk ribbon waistband which measures 1 1/2" in width. The silk is of medium-weight combined with 3% spandex for a better fit...
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS Reference: CLYG/A00023 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: Fall Winter 2018 Material...
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS Reference: CLYG/A00022 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: Fall Winter 2018 Material:...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 31 Black Cotton Zip Fly Slim Jeans
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN jeans comes in a black cotton featuring a slim fit and a zip fly closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 31x30 Measurements: Waist: 31 inches Rise: 10 ...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 32 Light Blue Washed Cotton Polyester Slim Jeans
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN jeans comes in a light blue washed cotton featuring a slim fit, contrast stitching, and a zip fly closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 48/32 Measurement...
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US2 XS Reference: CLYG/A00022 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collect...
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN Raf Simons 2018 black white gold trim straight leg trousers US0 XXS Reference: CLYG/A00023 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collec...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31"
By Raf Simons, Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Raf Simons black distressed satin patch washed jeans 31" Reference: YNWG/A00174 Brand: Calvin Klein Designer: Raf Simons Collection: 205W39NYC Material: Cotton...
CALVIN KLEIN Size 30 Aqua Cotton Zip Fly Dress Pants
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN dress pants comes in aqua cotton featuring a slim fit, flat front, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy.New With Tags. Marked: IT...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Size 34 Grey Black Houndstooth Wool Tuxedo Dress Pants
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC pants comes in a grey & black houndstooth wool featuring a orange trim, slim fit, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy. New With Tags. Marked: US 40 / IT 50 / FR 46...
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Size 32 Red Wool Zip Fly Dress Pants
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC pants comes in a red wool featuring a purple tuxedo stripe, flat front, front tab, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marke...
CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS AW18 yellow navy red straight leg trousers US40 IT50
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS AW18 yellow navy red straight leg trousers US40 IT50 Designer: CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC BY RAF SIMONS Model / Season: Fal...
CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS AW18 brown green white straight leg trousers 38 M
By Calvin Klein
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CALVIN KLEIN RAF SIMONS AW18 brown green white straight leg trousers 38 M Designer: CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC BY RAF SIMONS Model / Season: Fall ...