Kate Moss comes full circle

Kate Moss is returning to Calvin Klein, the brand that launched her into the supermodel stratosphere in 1999. In the new campaign for fall, Kate and actor Jamie Dorman pose in black-and-white photos reminiscent of those original ones, which also starred Mark Wahlberg. “With Kate Moss, we wanted to capture what we had done before: two strong icons together again,” Fabien Baron, creative director of the campaign told Vogue.com. “She's very sensual, and it's very much about her character, her personality and what she is about.” The campaign was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who chose to leave the pictures with a raw, unfinished quality by presenting them like a visual from a contact sheet. The pictures show Moss in sexy poses. “Sex is always something that is part of the Calvin Klein company,” said Baron. “These ads are sexy. I don't think they're sexual. Calvin Klein is the ultimate image of American sexiness, and this campaign represents that.” The campaign will feature in glossy magazines from August through December.

www.calvinklein.com
28 June 2006

Kate Moss signs with Calvin Klein

British supermodel Kate Moss has signed a new 500,000 pound contract with Calvin Klein, it was reported Wednesday. Moss, 32, has successfully rebuilt her career since photos were published last year in a British tabloid of her allegedly using cocaine, Sky News reported Wednesday. Scotland Yard has been investigating her alleged drug use, but legal sources predicted there would not be enough evidence to charge Moss with anything.

April 2006

Calvin Klein Returns To Europe

Calvin Klein is looking to re-ignite it European presence and has reportedly signed a licensing deal with an affiliate of Italian manufacturer Fingen SpA to reintroduce CK Calvin Klein apparel and accessories in Europe and the Middle East.

Starting next spring, CKI and the licensee will distribute the bridge collection in department stores and relaunch a CK retail network in those regions. The plan is to open more than 50 freestanding CK Calvin Klein boutiques over the next five years in cities such as Milan, Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid and Dubai. Since Phillips-Van Heusen acquired CKI in 2003, the company has invested more heavily in its bridge business, relaunching CK in the U.S. in an agreement with G.A.V. and strengthening the distribution of the label throughout Asia.

"The CK bridge business is a very important part of our brand architecture," said Tom Murry, president and chief operating officer of Calvin Klein Inc. "We have been working for a long time to get back into the bridge business in apparel, in footwear and accessories on a global business. And we have been judiciously getting back into the business region by region, being careful to make sure we are with qualified partners who share our long-term vision."The company previously had a CK Calvin Klein global agreement with Stefanel, which was terminated in 2001.

"The approach we have taken this time is to be more regional, and find partners in each region that really understood their individual markets and specialized in those markets," said Murry. "We have a global identity, which is maintained by creative director Kevin Carrigan, but as important as the global identity is regional specialization." Fingen, which is also the licensee for Calvin Klein Jeans in Europe and Asia, will operate the CK Calvin Klein showroom in CKI's Milan headquarters. CKI expects the CK bridge business to rake in up to $580 million in the next five to seven years.

www.calvinklein.com
25 May 2005

Calvin Klein's new swimwear range

In keeping with summer's key trends, Calvin Klein's new swimwear collection is strong on vibrant colour and bursting with the prettiest floral prints. For a graphic look choose sexy shapes in strong shades with contrast binding. Or for a more glamourous feel there are 50s styles inspired by classic underwear looks.

With halter, balconette, triangle, bandeau and underwired styles, paired with hipster, bikini and short bottoms, there are shapes and styles to suit all figures and taste. Available at select Calvin Klein boutiques and department stores.

www.calvinklein.com
29 April 2005

Night Obsessions

Calvin Klein is to launch a new version of his Obsession fragrance, originally launched in 1985. The new scent, Obsession Night for Men, is to give a modern edge to an already classic perfume.The midnight blue bottle will roll out internationally in August with an exclusive launch at Selfridges in the UK. From September it will go nationwide and be available in select European countries as well as Australia.

www.calvinklein.com
10 March 2005

Calvin Klein sued

A Pennsylvania-based clothing manufacturer is suing the US fashion house Calvin Klein Inc. Calvin Clothing Co.Inc. has alleged that the fashion giant and its parent company, Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. is destroying it. Last Friday the company filed a lawsuit in Scranton asking the court to prevent Calvin Klein from using the name "Calvin" and to force Klein and Phillips-Van Heusen to destroy all items bearing that name.

Calvin Clothing claims that the company, which was named for the founder's son in 1939, had never opposed the use of the Calvin Klein name as long as it was never shortened to Calvin. According to the lawsuit, there has been ample evidence of this understanding between the two companies over the years.

The lawsuit stipulates that problems over the similar names reached a climax when Phillips-Van Heusen agreed to purchase Calvin Klein in 2002 for $400 million (GBP217 million) in cash. According to Calvin Clothing, Phillips-Van Heusen wanted to use the Calvin brand to sell boys' tailored clothing and to expand into products similar to those made by Calvin Clothing. Klein's parent company opposed the Calvin Clothing trademark registrations, taking the matter to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Joseph R. Solfanelli, Calvin Clothing's lawyer, protests that Phillips-Van Heusen is forcing the company out of business or at least pressurising it into an impossible niche market. Meanwhile, Calvin Clothing's annual sales are down from $20 million in 2002 to $14 million. On Monday, Phillips-Van Heusen shares climbed to $26.25, an increase of 19 cents or 0.7%.

www.calvinclothing.com
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22 December 2004

Klein goes Indian

US designer Calvin Klein is reputed to be touring India in search of inspiration for his new collections. He is also rumoured to be researching the possibilities of opening up stores there.

An un-named source told Indo-Asian News Service that Klein is very interested in Indian fabrics and the intricacies of their craftsmanship. He is reputed to be focusing on how Indian designers couple Western trends with Indian ethnic awareness.

Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Giorgio Armani have preceded Klein in displaying an interest in all things Indian and incorporating Indian elements into their new collections.

17 November 2004

New European head Calvin Klein

The US fashion house has appointed Guiseppe Rossi to join the Milan-based Calvin Klein Europe office as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, effective today. Rossi joins the company from Moschino, where he was in charge of sales, licenses and the company's international stores. Prior to that he led international retail operations at clothing company GFT Net until 2001. Rossi began his career at the Italian fashion house Max Mara.

At Calvin Klein Rossi will report to Tom Curry, President and Chief Operating Officer at Calvin Klein Inc. He will focus on growing the brand across Europe. Rossi's predecessor, Anthony Romano, left the company to become General Manager of the Luna Rossa Challenge sailing team in September of this year.

2 November 2004

Orlando Bloom In Calvin Klein Campain

Orlando Bloom has agreed to take part in a Calvin Klein advertising campaign. The Lord Of The Rings star will be one of the famous faces to appear in the CK Exclusive Celebrity Model Campaign which will be launched next year. Orlando is currently filming Elizabethtown opposite Kirsten Dunst.

6 October 2004

Calvin Klein To Open In Edinburgh

King of 80s glamour Calvin Klein is to open an underwear outlet in Edinburgh in September. The shop is also expected to sell swimwear and sunglasses. A spokeswoman for Calvin Klein said: "The new store's style will allow us to make a definitive statement of the complete range of Calvin Klein underwear, loungewear and sleepwear for men and women."

4 May 2004

Hilary Swank To Y-Front Calvin Klein

Another celebrity is to promote yet another brand. Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank is to be Calvin Klein's new underwear model. Following the footsteps of Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss, she will be the exclusive celebrity model for the upcoming global launch.

30 March 2004

Sheer Class!

For boys who don't enjoy the art of mystery, Calvin Klein has introduced Underwear for Men, a new line that gives you the chance to show off your bits and bobs like never before.

The new Sheer range is near see-through, holding and hoisting in a miracle of design and science, and is lightweight but strong enough to provide support to even the most demanding pant-wearer.

Calvin Klein Sheer is available in a naughty bikini brief, hip brief, trunk, crew neck, tank top and muscle crew. These undies are near perfect, but definitely one for the big boys.

9 January 2004

Calvin Klein Takes a Step Back

American designer Calvin Klein told US trade magazine Women's Wear Daily that he has stepped down from the day-to-day design responsibility following the takeover of the company by Philips Van Heusen. Klein stated his new role was consulting creative director. Francisco Costa is responsible for the design of the women's collection and Italo Zuchelli is design director for men's.

1 July 2003

CK signs agreement

Calvin Klein, Inc. on Thursday announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Vestimenta, S.p.A for the manufacture and distribution of Calvin Klein women's and men's designer collection apparel on a worldwide basis.

The strategic partnership would combine Calvin Klein's design and marketing expertise with the resources of one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of women's and men's designer apparel. Definitive agreements are expected to be entered into by mid-March.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Calvin Klein, Inc. would transfer the operations of its men's and women's designer collection apparel businesses to Vestimenta, while retaining all responsibilities for design, marketing, advertising and public relations, as well as control over distribution.

Calvin Klein, Inc. as well as management of the strategic partnership with Vestimenta, which would be overseen by Tom Murry, President and Chief Operating Officer of Calvin Klein, Inc, would retain design of the apparel collections.

Vestimenta produces top-quality men's and women's apparel, in accordance with its global strategy, and has a strong international presence with the brand Hilton in Italy, Europe and Japan. The company also produces the Emanuel Ungaro women's collection, controls 50-percent of menswear label Piombo and in January 2003 signed a license agreement with Trussardi for a men's collection. Recently, Giorgio Armani formed a joint venture with Vestimenta to produce its men's and women's Borgonuovo line.

www.hilton.it
February 28, 2003

Calvin Klein is here to stay!

Designer Calvin Klein has no plans to leave the company he founded. Tom Murry, president of US fashion house Calvin Klein, on Tuesday said there was no truth in the rumours circulating in the international press that Mr Klein was set to leave after US clothing company Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation recently acquired the company for 700 million USD. There has also been speculation about the entry of new designers in the Calvin Klein design team.

"Mr Klein remains contractually and financially tied to Calvin Klein Inc for the next 15 years and is very much interested in participating in the brand's future success," Murry stated. Murry also said he had "heard nothing" about rumours that newcomer Zac Posen will join the Calvin Klein design team.

Mr Klein will also carry on as a consultant to the team, which has been working successfully for the past three seasons and which is led by Francisco Costa, the designer poached from Italian luxury goods company Gucci Group. Calvin Klein stays in charge of recruiting talented personnel for the creative division.

February 20, 2003

PVH completes acquisition of Calvin Klein

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation announced on Thursday it has completed its acquisition of Calvin Klein, Inc., one of the world's leading lifestyle brands and businesses. PVH believes this transaction will make a major contribution to its growth in 2004. In December 2002, the news of the acquisition was reported.

"Each day since our agreement was announced has further strengthened our belief that the acquisition of Calvin Klein, Inc. is a transforming transaction for Phillips-Van Heusen, providing us with a solid existing business and a brand with incredible growth potential worldwide," said Bruce Klatsky, Chairman and Chief Executive of PVH.

Calvin Klein said: "The closing of this transaction marks another milestone in the development of our business, a new chapter that will see the full realization of the value of the business and brand on a global scale." PVH will concentrate on plans to launch CK men's and women's sportswear and accessories. Other potential growth areas for the brand include global expansion of Calvin Klein retail stores, and taking advantage of regional growth prospects in Europe and Asia.

Calvin Klein himself will continue to be the design inspiration for the company, focusing on key strategic issues and decisions. PVH acquired CK for 430 million USD in cash and stock and has an ongoing agreement with Mr. Klein that will enable him to receive purchase price payments based on sales of all Calvin Klein products through 2018.

www.pvh.com
February 14, 2003

Phillips-Van Heusen to buy Calvin Klein

Fashion company Calvin Klein Inc. is close to an agreement to sell itself to dress shirts maker Phillips-Van Heusen for about $430 million in cash. This was reported in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday this week. The deal offers Phillips-Van Heusen an opportunity to expand from conservative men's clothes with the help of Calvin Klein. Klein is known for his edgy designs and provocative advertising.

Calvin Klein and his partner, Barry Schwartz, founded the company in 1968 with an initial stake of $10,000. Together, the two men built a glamorous, high-profile business with brand-name products known from Hong Kong to Paris. However, the corporation suffered some serious reversals and has never succeeded in going public. An earlier effort to sell the company for $1 billion three years ago failed.

Phillips-Van Heusen beat out a competing proposal from VF Corp. the Greensboro, N.C., maker of Lee and Wrangler Jeans. VF was also interested in buying Calvin Klein's jeans and underwear businesses, now controlled by Warnaco Group Inc., which is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
After the deal is completed, Phillips-Van Heusen will most likely be renamed Calvin Klein Co.. Klein is expected to discuss a consulting agreement with Phillips-Van Heusen and will have a hand in picking his successor. Klein's design and marketing organization will continue as a separate business.

December 19, 2002
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Two battle for CK-fashion house

Two midprice apparel maker are competing to buy the Calvin Klein fashion house. Three years ago designer Calvin Klein and partner Narry Schwartz first put their prestigious label on the auction block. The competitors are VF Corp the maker of Lee and Wrangler Jeans, and Phillips-Van Heusen Corp, the New York dress-shirt kingpin whose brands include Van Heusen, Geoffrey Beene and Arrow.

Those familiar with the situation say that neither VF nor Phillips-Van Heusen is near closing a deal. However, both companies are in discussions with Mr. Klein and Mr. Schwartz, the two friends and partners who originally co-founded the 35-year-old business as a coat manufacturer. A Calvin Klein spokeswoman declined to comment as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Up till now, Warnaco Group Inc. -- maker of CK jeans and underwear -- came closest to purchasing Calvin Klein for a price estimated at around $900 million. However, the negotiations ultimately collapsed when the parties couldn't agree how and where the Calvin Klein trademark would be used. Eventually, Warnaco Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Indeed, some industry executives and investment bankers are sceptical as to whether the Calvin Klein fashion house will pull the trigger on a deal given its unsuccessful past flirtations with suitors.

November 15, 2002