Calvin Klein | Full Q&A at The Oxford Union

Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion

An iconic American designer, Klein has defined the last half century of fashion with his visionary minimalist design philosophy, characterised by a dedication to simplicity, comfort, and elegance. In this time, he has transformed his clothing line into a multi-million dollar global lifestyle empire, spanning ready-to-wear, fragrances, furniture, and more. He is now retired, and recently published a survey of his legendary career.

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[spreadthelove]

His only daughter said that she was always embarrassed when she saw her fathers name on the boxers of the guys she was dating🤣👌🏼

[ishitarawat]

Calvin Klein is so down to earth. It was great listening to him.

[maureenrhysjones]

Success takes many forms. He has been a huge success for decades, listen and learn instead of criticising! Love him for what he's given us. Class act, ankles and all!

[kragr]

My mom met this guy back in 1955 at her high school 'enchantment under the sea' dance.

[sabranbinfarabi]

This guy is a great person..who struggled harder..and now big legend

[kateforsyth]

Masterful designer. I love that he stayed true to his minimalist aesthetic. I’m not sure if he invented the slip dress but I remember him for that.

[a]

So talented and such visionary that his iconic 80s-90s Ad Campaigns still sell the brand to this day. A great sociologist, consumer behavior maverick and overall Iconic American Original. Thank You Calvin for all you ve done for youth and fashion 🏆🥂

[shaynarose]

LOVE hearing CK!!! Not a good interviewer and not good questions.

[k.h.]

His suit and style look so refined here.

[macklee]

He's old enough to be my grandad and he's got better hair than me 😩🥴

[jc]

Happy 80th Birthday Calvin Klein <3

[gintaremaksimovaite]

I am so happy to hear that you have the daughter, Mr.Calvin Klein. Thank you very very very much, Mr.Calvin Klein.

[TheAzurinBoyz]

I don't know if it's just me but I totally love Ckone cologne ever since. It made my highschool years memorable. Even now it still refreshing to smell and never gets old.

[jeowng]

1. Who or what influenced his passion for fashion?
2. Did he want to be a painter or sculpture?
3. Did he have money when he launched his establishment?
4. What is great about fashion according to Calvin?
5. What does he attribute his success to?
6. What did he say about hardships?
7. Who was Mike Milkin?
8. What is a road show?
9. Did the ad companies understand his style?

[dirk]

The magic for businesses is usually making the brand noticeable, creating a brand for everyone that anyone will trust, and creating an appeal for the brand, logo, and the comfort that comes from acquiring such a brand while making it affordable through a line of products that create more access. So, it's not necessarily the financier nor the banker etc. They are consequential. With no technology, comfort and access, you don't have the brand and the logo doesn't get respect. This you must do daily, it's not season by season.

[sirachvlogs]

I could, listen to him all day. He is very down to earth.

[duchessme-tffx]

Interesting. I always got compliments when I wore his jeans.

[PacificPier]

Wish they had an Oxford inscribed CK peacoat waiting for him.

[srouji]

Calvin Klein is an Iconic American with an Iconic American Brand that is recognized internationally!

[theokishna]

One of my fav designers! I still like the basic black T-shirt with his name on it and normally I do not like to wear cloths with names of the designers because I am not a walking billboard but his I like!