Calvin Klein has long been known for its minimalist yet striking and sometimes controversial campaigns, including Brooke Shields’ infamous “You want to know what comes in between me and my Calvins? Nothing” denim ad and Kate Moss’ career-launching topless campaign with Mark Wahlberg.
Now, the American fashion house has attempted to cater to the times, applying the same understated formula to a more diverse cast. Featuring underwear and jeans, the campaign showcases the brand’s trademark elastic logo underwear — albeit in an embossed format — as well as other comfortable basics like seamless bras and a one-shoulder take on a bralette. Jeans draw inspiration from the ‘90s, with utility details and comfortable proportions.
The campaign stars a number of big-ticket and of-the-moment celebrities, including models Akon Changkou, Efron Danzig, Fran Summers, Kade Holt, Lila Moss, Precious Lee and Rianne Van Rompaey, as well as Blackpink performer Jennie Kim, musician Dominic Fike, actor and director Chloë Sevigny, actor and producer Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Hollywood icon Susan Sarandon.
Shot by British photographer Alasdair McLellan, the campaign takes the form of an episodic series that sees the global cast in “real settings,” such as workouts, doing laundry, and solo dining, with talent crossing paths in the Calvin Klein world. The accompanying editorial images are perhaps a touch too ‘real’ with the stripped-back approach translating to largely underwhelming shots, with the exception of a few.
The latest Calvin Klein styles are available via the brand’s webstore.
Words by Theo Rosen
