collection SC.380 - Calvin Klein tie swatch books, 1982-1986

Identity area

Reference code

US NNFIT SC.380

Title

Calvin Klein tie swatch books, 1982-1986

Date(s)

  • 1982 - 1986 (Creation)

Level of description

collection

Extent and medium

2 linear feet

Context area

Name of creator

(1942-)

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

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    Status

    Level of detail

    Dates of creation revision deletion

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        Accession area