Calvin Klein: The New Yorker in fragrance fashion
Born in 1942, Calvin Klein is the founder of his own ready-to-wear brand, inspired by the sportswear of the working-class neighborhoods of his native Bronx. The American quickly established himself on the fashion scene, offering a wide range of products in all categories. Calvin Klein wasn't founded until 1968, but before then, the company's founder had learned the codes of the luxury world from a number of people who would play an important role in his career. First of all, there was his friend Ralph Lauren, who also founded his own ready-to-wear brand. Then there was Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg, who protected him and trained him in the fashion business, since Klein worked with him for five years.
Calvin Klein founded his company in 1968 with his friend Barry Schwartz, and the gamble paid off. Klein and Schwartz quickly became popular, for while the American's luxury was within the industry average, Klein opted for simplicity. His Calvin Klein brand quickly became an icon in the United States. The company, which spans ready-to-wear, perfumes and luxury accessories, enjoys a very positive global image, enabling Calvin Klein to structure his business and sell it in 2002 to the American Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation.