Calvin Klein Discontinues its Luxury Ready-to-Wear Line

After disappointing sales and Raf Simons' departure, the brand has announced the closure of its high-end label and plans to focus on denim and underwear.

Upon his appointment as Creative Director in 2016 by the PVH Group (which also owns Tommy Hilfiger), Raf Simons aimed to reinvent the American fashion giant, Calvin Klein. Accordingly, the Belgian designer launched the Calvin Klein 205W39NYC line, which offered collections far more ambitious and conceptual than the rest of the lines by the band. Simons' Calvin Klein shows did not fail to make a lot of buzz during New York Fashion Week, becoming one of the most anticipated events on the fashion calendar.

Despite that and the several CFDA awards Simons bagged during his tenure, the PVH Group was not impressed. Last November, CEO Emanuel Chirico expressed his disappointment in sales figures, blaming Simons' designs for being "too fashion-forward for our core consumer." PVH chose to regain more control of the brand, causing Simons to finally part ways with Calvin Klein in December. His departure marked a turning point for the American brand.

"I can confirm that the brand Calvin Klein 205W39NYC will close," told a Calvin Klein spokesman to AFP. Calvin Klein will close its Milan offices and nearly 100 employees will be dismissed. The brand is moving towards a strategic redesign, completely renouncing the luxury segment. It plans to reposition itself as a fashion brand for the general public, with a focus on its underwear and denim lines.