Calvin Klein to return to New York Fashion Week runway, with debut Veronica Leoni collection (#1687941)

Calvin Klein has confirmed plans to return to New York Fashion Week in February, with the debut collection for the brand by Veronica Leoni, the house revealed on Friday.
 
The co-ed show will be in an intimate setting, and feature both women’s and men’s looks. It is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7. The official dates of the New York catwalk season are from Thursday, Feb. 6 to Tuesday, Feb. 11.

 
“Calvin Klein is thrilled to return to the global stage at New York Fashion Week and unveil Veronica Leoni’s creative vision for Calvin Klein Collection,” said Eva Serrano, Calvin Klein global brand president, in a statement.
 
The show will be the first runway display by Calvin Klein, since Raf Simons‘ last collection for the house was unveiled in Manhattan in 2018.

Though Calvin Klein is the quintessential expression of American fashion minimalism, Italian-born Leoni has been creating the collection in her historic hometown of Rome, with a new young team she has hired.
 
Leoni — a 2023 LVMH Prize finalist and founder of the fashion forward label Quira – brings to Calvin Klein her experience working at many celebrated fashion brands. These include Jil Sander, Celine, Moncler and The Row. 
 
“Veronica’s debut marks a new era of innovation and creativity, embracing a fresh vision for the brand while honoring its iconic heritage. We can’t wait to share it with the world,” Serrano added.
 
Leoni’s appointment is an important strategic step for Calvin Klein, which has drifted as a brand in the absence of a strong designer. Widely regarded as one of the half dozen most important American designers, its founder created an iconic label in the four decades he helmed the company after opening it in 1968. After he sold out for $730 million to PVH, he was ably succeeded by Francisco Costa in 2003. He, in turn, was followed by Simons, whose tenure ended in considerable rancor.
 
The Council of Fashion Designers of America reacted highly enthusiastically to the show confirmation.
 
“Calvin Klein Collection‘s return to New York Fashion Week marks a moment for New York and the global fashion industry,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
 
“The brand has been an integral part of shaping American fashion, pushing boundaries with its bold take on minimalism, and we are excited to have them back on the official NYFW schedule and look forward to celebrating the brand’s latest chapter,” Kolb added.