Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1982 - 1986 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
2 linear feet
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Calvin Richard Klein was born on November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York. He studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and upon graduating, in 1962, he began apprenticing for a coat and suit manufacturer on Seventh Avenue. Six years later, he opened his own company (with the help of Barry Schwartz, a childhood friend), designing simple, minimalist garments which contrasted with the flower-power aesthetic of the period. Klein was in charge of all things creative while Schwartz ran the business side of the company. Klein's early designs were primarily suit and coat styles, but he gradually expanded into womens sportswear. Bonwit Teller was an early supporter of Klein, selling the designer's goods in their department stores. By the early 1970s, Klein was selling millions of dollars worth of products. Klein was awarded three consecutive Coty Awards from 1973 to 1975. By entering the denim market in the mid 1970s and later licensing his name to other products, Klein was able to gain a large following. The advertisements for Calvin Klein products became infamous in the 1990s; attractive, young models wearing Klein's clothes and posing "provocatively" made Klein a household name. Klein sold his company in 2003 to Phillips–Van Heusen for an estimated $430 million. Klein published a memoir in 2017 discussing his career.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Originally sent to FIT Acquisitions by donor Randy Fields, September 2017
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection contains twenty-seven 7 x 4 1/2" ringed booklets containing textile swatches used for Calvin Klein ties, with accompanying notations on style numbers and pricing.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
chronological
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Access is open to researchers by appointment at the Fashion Institute of Technology Library, Department of Special Collections and College Archives. If you have any questions, or wish to schedule an appointment contact us at fitlibsparc@fitnyc.edu or call (212) 217-4385.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Calvin Klein, Inc. (Subject)