Klein, Calvin Richard [key], 1942–, American fashion designer, b. New York City. In 1968 he established Calvin Klein Limited, which produced clothes and accessories bearing his hallmark of simple, elegant lines and luxury materials. His spare designs were paired with such fabrics as linen, silk, and cashmere, mostly in neutral earth tones, to create a look of careless good taste. Klein has become particularly well known for his jeans, underwear, and fragrances, all of which have been extensively and provocatively advertised. He sold his company to Phillips–Van Heusen in 2003, but continued to design for it.
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