Calvin Klein returns to the New York Fashion Week runway with Veronica Leoni’s debut collection (#1687941)

Calvin Klein has confirmed plans to return to New York Fashion Week in February with the brand’s debut collection by Veronica Leoni, the company said Friday.

Coed shows are intimate and feature both female and male looks. It is scheduled for Friday, February 7th at 12:00 p.m. The official dates for New York catwalk season are Thursday, February 6th to Tuesday, February 11th.

“Calvin Klein is thrilled to return to the global stage at New York Fashion Week and unveil Veronica Leoni’s creative vision for the Calvin Klein Collection,” said Calvin Klein Global Brand President. Eva Serrano said in a statement.

This show marks the first runway display by Calvin Klein since Raf Simons’ last collection for the brand was unveiled in Manhattan in 2018.

Although Calvin Klein is the quintessential expression of American fashion minimalism, Italian-born Leoni creates collections in her historic hometown of Rome, along 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 the experience of working for a number of well-known fashion brands. These include Jil Sander, Celine, Moncler, The Row, and more.

“Veronica’s debut heralds a new era of innovation and creativity that honors the brand’s iconic heritage while embracing a new vision for the brand. 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 without a strong designer. Widely regarded as one of America’s six most important designers, the founder founded the company in 1968 and over the course of 40 years at the helm, he created an iconic brand. After being sold to PVH for $730 million, he was successfully replaced by Francisco Costa. He was followed by Simmons, whose tenure ended with considerable resentment.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America responded very enthusiastically to the show’s approval.

“Calvin Klein Collection’s return to New York Fashion Week is a major milestone for New York and the global fashion industry,” said CFDA CEO Stephen Kolb.

“The brand has been an integral part of shaping American fashion, pushing boundaries with their bold interpretations of minimalism. We’re thrilled to have them back on the official NYFW schedule. We look forward to celebrating the brand’s latest chapter,” Kolb added.