NYLON - August 2008 - (Page 74) NOTHING COMES BETWEEN… CALVIN KLEIN JEANS—THE BRAND THAT HAS ALWAYS KEPT IT SIMPLE AND SEXY—IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF COOL. PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRIS SHONTING Polished, modern, and clean have always been keywords for Bronx-born designer Calvin Klein. In 1978—after creating his high-end eponymous line 10 years earlier—he launched Calvin Klein Jeans, a young, sexy, contemporary collection of denim, T-shirts, and sportswear. The line has always been known for genius advertising campaigns: Brooke Shields in her indigo CK Jeans professing “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins,” and who could forget Mark Wahlberg—then known as Marky Mark—in his tighty-whities? By the early ’90s, Calvin Klein Jeans had become an international success thanks to its distinctive mix of sensuality and minimalism—no one knows better than Klein that a woman in just a white cotton tank and fitted jeans exudes a seductive confidence. Now, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, Calvin Klein Jeans revisits the high-waisted and flared styles that marked the line’s debut in the ’70s, while the shirts and blouses in the collection stay fitted and lean for a sleek silhouette, and are offered in a palette of lotus, black, and willow green. And, just as Brooke showed off her backside to display the embroidery on her pockets, the rear treatment on this season’s denim features Calvin Klein’s signature omega insignia from yesteryear. Calvin Klein Jeans defined a generation— and continues to do so—and Klein himself has become one of the great American fashion icons. Whether you wear your Calvins form-fitting or baggy (à la Marky Mark) they will always be a classic. RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES stylist: rajni lucienne jacques. courtney wears jacket, tank, and jeans by calvin klein jeans, shoes by calvin klein, stylist’s own rings. calvin klein ads courtesy of calvin klein. COURTNEY RONISZEWSKI PHILADELPHIA, PA “I’ve always admired Calvin Klein because he designs staple pieces that are chic enough to stand on their own.” cult of CALVIN KLEIN JEANS 1942 Calvin Klein is born in the Bronx, NY. 1968 Klein and his childhood friend/ business partner Barry Schwartz launch a line of men’s and women’s coats at retailer Bonwit Teller. 1978 Calvin Klein Jeans is launched and sells 200,000 pairs in the first week. 1980 Brooke Shields—then only 15—poses for the first Calvin Klein Jeans campaign. The sexual tone of the commercial creates controversy.
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