Founded in 1968 by visionary designer Calvin Klein, the brand revolutionized the industry with its innovative and provocative designs. While offering a diverse range of products, including clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings, Calvin Klein is mainly celebrated for its underwear and jeans lines. The strategic use of celebrity endorsements is crucial to Calvin Klein’s success and popularity. Collaborating with prominent figures from entertainment, sports, and music, the brand has crafted memorable and influential campaigns that effectively showcase its products and values.
Calvin Klein currently churns out an annual revenue of $3.7 Billion, making it one of the biggest fashion labels in the world. These celebrity endorsements have expanded Calvin Klein’s reach to a broader audience and elevated its brand image, generating significant buzz and driving sales.
8 Justin Bieber
According to Business Insider, Justin Bieber, the globally recognized pop star with millions of fans, became the face of Calvin Klein’s underwear and jeans campaigns in 2015. Collaborating with model Lara Stone, Bieber’s ads featured him confidently displaying his toned physique and tattoos. The campaign garnered immense attention, amassing millions of views, likes, comments, and shares on social media. This collaboration also coincided with the release of Bieber’s critically acclaimed album, Purpose. In 2019, Bieber returned to Calvin Klein, alongside his wife Hailey Bieber, for another campaign celebrating their love and marriage.
7 Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner, a highly influential model and reality TV star from the renowned Kardashian-Jenner family, joined the Calvin Klein underwear campaign in 2015. Following in the footsteps of her half-sister Kim Kardashian, who had previously modeled for the brand, Jenner became a part of Calvin Klein Underwear. Her endorsement deals with Calvin Klein played a pivotal role in establishing her as a fashion icon and global star.
6 Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg, a versatile and successful actor, producer, businessman, rapper, and former model, made his breakthrough in 1992 as a model for Calvin Klein Underwear. Wahlberg’s campaign, shot by renowned photographer Herb Ritts, captured his muscular physique and rebellious attitude. The provocative and controversial ads sparked debates and discussions surrounding sexuality and masculinity. This campaign propelled Wahlberg’s fame and career, marking his transition from being a rapper known as Marky Mark to becoming a prominent actor.
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5 Kate Moss
Kate Moss, an iconic and influential supermodel, embarked on her career at 14 when she was discovered by a talent scout at an airport. In 1992, Moss secured her first major campaign with Calvin Klein Jeans alongside Mark Wahlberg. The campaign, shot by Herb Ritts as per news.com.au, showcased her in minimal makeup and clothing, exuding a natural and raw aesthetic. This groundbreaking and controversial campaign garnered worldwide fame for Moss and led her to bag a $1.5 Million contract with Calvin Klein in 2006, which later rose to $4 Million.
4 Shawn Mendes
A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes)
Shawn Mendes, a famous and talented singer-songwriter, gained fame by posting covers on the now-defunct short-form video platform Vine. His debut album, Handwritten, released in 2015, topped charts worldwide, followed by critically acclaimed Illuminate and Shawn Mendes. In 2019, Mendes joined the ranks of Justin Bieber and Mark Wahlberg as the face of Calvin Klein Underwear. The steamy and sexy ads featuring Mendes in various underwear styles caused a sensation on social media. Additionally, according to Billboard, Mendes participated in Calvin Klein’s ‘I Speak My Truth’ campaign video alongside other celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Noah Centineo, and Kendall Jenner.
3 Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields, a renowned actress and model, gained fame through her roles in movies like The Blue Lagoon, Endless Love, and Pretty Baby. Starting her career as a child model, Shields became the face of Calvin Klein Jeans in 1980 at 15. The campaign, shot by Richard Avedon, featured Shields wearing only a pair of jeans, accompanied by the slogan, ‘You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.’ These controversial ads sparked debates about the sexualization and exploitation of underage models. Nevertheless, the campaign significantly boosted Shields’s career and Calvin Klein’s sales and reputation.
2 Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana, a coveted actress known for her roles in blockbuster movies such as Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, also became the face of Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Envy in 2010, as per WWD. Calvin Klein Envy was a new line of lingerie designed to enhance women’s curves and confidence. Saldana’s campaign showcased her wearing various underwear styles, exuding sexiness and power. The ads, captured by photographer Mikael Jansson, highlighted Saldana’s beauty and charisma. The campaign also featured a video series called ‘Nothing to Hide,’ in which Saldana shared insights into her personal life, career, and passions.
1 Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian, a prominent figure in reality TV, entrepreneurship, and modeling, has achieved worldwide fame and success. In 2018, Calvin Klein enlisted Kardashian as the face of their Jeans and Underwear lines, alongside her sisters Khloé, Kourtney, Kendall, and Kylie. The campaign showcased the family in various jeans and underwear styles, exuding comfort and elegance. Renowned photographer Willy Vanderperre captured the family’s close bond and distinctive style. This collaboration proved immensely successful, generating millions of dollars in sales and garnering significant media exposure.
Calvin Klein has consistently remained at the forefront of fashion and culture, utilizing celebrity endorsements to create impactful and influential campaigns that effectively showcase its products and values. By collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and music, Calvin Klein has shaped the industry and society, expanding its reach to a broader audience, enhancing its brand image, and generating significant buzz and sales.
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Sources – WWD, Billboard, news.com.au, Business Insider
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