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Calvin Klein Ltd was founded as a coat shop in the York Hotel in New York City in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his boyhood friend Barry Schwartz.

In 1969 the first Calvin Klein collection, a line of men’s and women’s coats was featured at the New York store of Bonwit Teller, this got the fledgling fashion label some much needed publicity. By 1971, classic blazers, lingerie and sportswear had been added to the growing women’s collection portfolio.

The company grew rapidly with over $100 million annual retail volume by 1977, a lot of this growth was due to licensing for cosmetics, jeans, and menswear. In 1978 the company claimed that 200,000 pairs of their jeans were sold in the first week they were on the market.

Brooke Shields featured in advertising for the company in the early eighties beginning with a 1980 jeans ad, Shields also modeled Klein underwear in a 1984 advertising campaign.

Successful advertising in the 1990’s for men’s underwear featuring pop singer “Marky Mark” Mark Wahlberg, has led to the underpants becoming generally known as “Calvins”.

The company took a bit of a down turn in the early 1990’s and almost faced bankruptcy in 1992 however Klein managed turn things back around and the profits grew throughout the later years of the 90s, largely due to the success of the popular underwear and fragrance lines, as well as the cK sportswear line.

In 2002 the company was acquired by shirt maker Phillips Van Heusen Corp for $400 million in cash, $30 million in stock plus licensing rights and royalties for the next 15 years with an estimated value of at least $200 million.

Browse the Calvin Klein Catalogue at Stylebop.

more from Calvin Klein…

• Grey Melange Pants
  

  137.00 Stylebop Luxurious pants in grey wool - classic cut - slim waistband with belt-loops - waist-fit - creases - straight legs in moderate width - serious, noble, discreet, ideal basic for the office - pair with a blazer in new width, XL-cardigan - in the evening with a chiffon-top

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• Black New Trunk by Calvin Klein
  

  14.00 My Wardrobe Black cotton stretch new trunk with branded contrast white waistband.

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• Anthracite Pencil Skirt
  

  413.00 Stylebop Luxurious pencilskirt in light-grey wool and silk - very high quality - simple and frilless cut, typical Calvin Klein - slim waistband - classic pencil cut, slim and figure-hugging in classic knee-length - a hit, creates a slim silhouette - must-have for every day for business ladies, respectable, grown-up, feminine - pair with a posh blouse, tunic (evening), jeans jacket (modern), blazer

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• Tahiti Padded Triangle Bikini by Heidi Klein
  

  165.00 My Wardrobe Coral padded triangle bikini top with plaited halter tie. Bikini bottoms tie at hip and feature textured gold charms. Model is wearing a medium.

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• Black Lynx 365 Trunk by Calvin Klein
  

  17.00 My Wardrobe Black lynx 365 cotton stretch trunks with an elasticated branded waistband.

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• Pink, Backless Dress
  

  274.00 Stylebop Elegant sheath-dress in pink rayon stretch - top with slim straps, tank style - sexy low cut-out at the back - slim and figure-hugging - tight pencil skirt in classic knee-length - creates a fabulous silhouette - classic in eye-popping color - wear with silver sandals or peep-toes

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• Black X Cotton Trunk by Calvin Klein
  

  21.00 My Wardrobe Body-defining black cotton trunks with an elasticated branded waistband.

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• White 365 Classic Boxer By Calvin Klein
  

  19.00 My Wardrobe White button fly boxer brief with branded waistband, premium microfibre for comfort and body-defining fit. 100% cotton. Machine washable.

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• Grenadine Kaftan by Heidi Klein
  

  210.00 My Wardrobe Green and white paisley print kaftan with deep v neck, elasticated empire line and cropped kimono sleeves. Kaftan features gold coin embellishment to sleeves and hem. Model is wearing a medium.

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• Black Pants
  

  137.00 Stylebop Luxurious pants in black wool - simple and frill-less - moderate waist rise, not too low on the hips - legs in moderate width - a classic which creates a slim silhouette and is suitable for any occasion - ideal basic for the office - pair with knitted cardigan and sneakers, blouse and pumps, chiffon-top and strappy heels

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