Calvin Klein made its highly anticipated return to New York Fashion Week, marking nearly two decades without a runway show. The brand’s new collection, designed by Veronica Leoni, was a nostalgic homage to the late 1980s and ’90s style that defines the Calvin Klein legacy.
The show took place at the garment district headquarters where Calvin Klein founded his company in the 1990s. Mr. Klein himself made a rare appearance, wearing a tailored black suit and tie, alongside former wife Kelly Klein and muses Kate Moss and Christy Turlington.
Ms. Leoni’s collection was a dual-gender offering that reinterpreted classic Calvin Klein silhouettes with modern twists. The show featured sleek suits, cocooning outerwear, lingerie-inspired cocktail looks, and ’90s-era grunge and denim. However, critics argue that the collection didn’t push boundaries as far as it could have, stuck to familiar formulas.
The show’s nostalgia factor was undeniable, but Ms. Leoni must take it further by embracing her own unique vision and style to truly reclaim Calvin Klein’s legacy. With hints of modern comfort dressing and innovative designs, such as silk pajama suiting and intricate organza coats, the collection showed promise.
Mr. Klein expressed his delight at seeing his label back on the runway, but ultimately, Ms. Leoni needs to take bold steps forward to redefine the brand for a new generation.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/style/calvin-klein-new-york-fashion-week.html