Calvin Klein 1990s Velvet Slip Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 10 (US)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3229219893272
Calvin Klein
Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Calvin Klein initially experienced the garment industry as a child in his grandmother’s New York City tailoring business. He would one day establish a global fashion brand — the Bronx native led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s, and vintage Calvin Klein skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear.
Klein was born in 1942. He joined his mother on trips to designer discount store Loehmann’s and visited his grandmother's seamstress shop, where he was able to witness the particulars of clothing design in his youth. As a teen, Klein started making fashion sketches and attended the High School of Art and Design and the Art Students League of New York. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1963.
Klein worked with coat manufacturer Dan Millstein after his studies had concluded. In 1968, he partnered with his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz, and opened a small coat and dress shop in the York Hotel in Manhattan. Schwartz ran the business side of things while Klein took the reins on creative direction. The designer’s work was soon stocked at Bonwit Teller — and appeared in large ads in the New York Times — and in 1969, a model sported a Calvin Klein coat on the cover of Vogue.
During the 1970s, Klein added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years.
Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.
A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein would be competing with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. The decade saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.
Though profits declined in the early 1990s, Klein saved the business with successful underwear, sportswear and fragrance lines. More controversial ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. In 2002, the Calvin Klein company was sold to Phillips Van Heusen Corp. Belgian designer Raf Simons was named chief creative officer at the brand in 2016.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Calvin Klein clothing, accessories and handbags.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Blue Long Sleeve Dress With Multi Color SequinBy ChloéLocated in New York, NYChloè by Karl Lagerfeld Blue Long Sleeve Dress With Multi Color Sequin. This dress is a sophisticated and elegant piece in a rich blue hue, with...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Carolina Herrera 1980s Black Sequin Gown (Original Sample)By Carolina HerreraLocated in New York, NYThis Carolina Herrera 1980s gown is a true embodiment of extravagance and glamour. Caroline Herrara's designs carry the essence of elegance and luxury, making it onto various First L...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oleg Cassini Black Embellished Cocktail DressBy Oleg CassiniLocated in New York, NYOleg Cassini Black Embellished Cocktail Dress. Most known for his bridal and evening wear, Oleg Cassini humbly began his career selling his designs out of his mothers dress shop in F...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- Christian Dior 1980's Black Velvet Dress With Pink BottomBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYChristian Dior 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Pink Bottom. This dress is a step back into the 80s through its perfectly nostolgic design. Combined ...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Christian Dior By John Galliano Knit DressBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYChristian Dior by John Galliano Gold Knit Scalloped Detail Mini Dress, Circa 2000's. Beautiful gold metallic knit mini dress with layered scallop...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses
- Jean-Claude Jitrois Leather GownBy Jean-Claude JitroisLocated in New York, NYJean-Claude Jitrois 3/4 Sleeve Gold Leather Gown.Made of 100% Lamb Leather. Exceptional and unique floor length gown with lace up details in the back and a high-low hem - Hidden zipp...Category
1980s Ball Gowns
- Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white striped trainBy Roland KleinLocated in Austin, TX1980s Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white train. Acetate fabric. 34" bust, 26" waist, 40" hips, 48" front length - 54 1/2" ba...Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood Nude Satin, Black Lace and Velvet Corset and Skirt, FW 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Brand: Vivienne Westwood Gold Label ▪ Creative Director: Vivienne Westwood ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1996 ▪ Fabric: Black Lace, Nude Satin ▪ Details: One-shoulder corset top adorn...Category
1990s English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Galanos Creme Long Sleeve Dress with Green Rhinestones EmbellishmentBy Galanos for Amelia Gray, James GalanosLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s James Galanos from Amelia Gray Boutique Creme silk crinkle long sleeve dress embellished in green rhinestones and white beads. Dress has some issues on the arm pit . ( see imag...Category
1960s American Wedding Dresses
- 1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w RoseBy Jacqueline de RibesLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w Roses: This documented Jacqueline de Ribes heavily boned, ruched, asymmetrical, ingeniously designed mi...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Blue sequin dress with white star sequins pattern JC/DCBy JC DE CASTELBAJACLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlue sequin dress with white star sequins pattern . Fabric composition: 100% polyester. The back is plain polyester satin. Orange cotton ribbing on the neck-line,on the bottom edge a...Category
Early 2000s Indian Cocktail Dresses
- Gucci by Tom Ford Draped Brown Mini Dress S/S 2003By Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in GOUVIEUX, FRBy Tom Ford iconic draped mini dress from the runway S/S 2003. - Deep V neckline - Light and soft fabric - Velvet spaghetti straps - Mini dress - Zip on the back - Opened sleeves yo...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses