1980s Calvin Klein Gray Rayon Open Neck Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 57 in (144.78 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU488818352
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Albert Capraro White Cotton Tiered Dress with Scalloped Lace Edges Size 6By Albert CapraroLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Albert Capraro dress is composed of a white cotton and features a lace trim. There is a center back zipper closure. In excellent condition. **Please cross-reference measurem...Category
20th Century American Day Dresses
- Christian Dior Haute Couture Black and White Dress, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980By Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black and white long "sailor" style day dress by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1980. This dress has a full skirt with gathers at the hip, and a 16" zipper on the side seam. Provenance: Betsy BloomingdaleCategory
1980s French Day Dresses
- Christian Dior Haute Couture Polka Dot Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980By Christian DiorLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a sheer chiffon black and white polka dot gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1980. The gown has an open slit up the front and comes as a three piece set, with a match...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Saint Laurent Periwinkle Belted Shirt Dress SizeBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis vintage Saint Laurent dress is composed of a periwinkle crepe. Features a large collar and cuff sleeves with an elastic waist. Comes w...Category
20th Century French Cocktail Dresses
- KRIZIA Cream Cashmere Knit Dress Size 42By KriziaLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Krizia dress is composed of the most supple cream cashmere. Features a classic knit pull over style with a slightly flared skirt. In excellent condition. **Please cross-refer...Category
20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- HANAE MORI White Floral Linen Dress with Gold Buttons Size 6 8By Hanae MoriLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Hanae Mori design is composed of a white linen with a colorful floral pattern. Features gold center front buttons with snaps. In excellent vintage condition with slight signs of...Category
20th Century American Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Diver Tropical Parrot Mesh Purple Ruffled Swimmers DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Vintage Soleil Diver 90's Jean Tropical Parrot Maxi Mesh Sheer Transparent Ruffled Dress Rare Late 90's Jean Paul Gaultier Parrot Print Maxi Mesh Dress. Totally ...Category
1990s French Maxi Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Bondage SkirtBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Water Mill, NYA gorgeous wool jersey skirt from Jean Paul Gaultier in khaki grey with fine subtle rust stripes. It is mid rise pencil style with a waist band, and radiating straps front and back m...Category
Early 2000s French Skirts
- CHANEL cream crochet silk suit jacket and dress FR 42 Resort 2017 Cuba 17CBy ChanelLocated in Rubiera, REChanel Resort 2017 Cuba Cream crochet silk suit jacket and dress Size Fr 42 Made in France Missing fond de robe (underdress) Flat measures: Jacket ...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Vintage Cotton Shirt DressLocated in London, GBA lovely vintage heavweight cotton shirt dress. The dress has a stand up collar, single button cuffs and a 4'' slit on either side.Category
1920s Unknown Day Dresses
- rare JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Soleil Vintage blue pink cityscape sheer wrap top SBy Jean Paul Gaultier SoleilLocated in Hong Kong, NTrare JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Soleil Vintage blue pink cityscape sheer wrap top S Reference: TGAS/C01039 Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Designer: Jean Paul G...Category
2010s Casual Dresses
- Issey Miyake Sculptural Pleats Please Vintage Pleated Avant Garde Midi DressBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Sparks, NVStunning vintage Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress. Unlined with no closure (pulls on over the head). The bust measures 29-42" (un...Category
1990s Japanese Day Dresses