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Italian designer Veronica Leoni has been appointed as the new creative director of Calvin Klein Collection, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to lead the iconic brand. This appointment signals a fresh direction for Calvin Klein, known for its minimalist aesthetic that dominated the 1990s.
Eva Serrano, Global Brand President of Calvin Klein, expressed her confidence in Leoni's ability to usher in a new era for the brand. “It was clear from our first conversations that Veronica’s life’s work had been preparing her for this moment and the opportunity to define a new era for Calvin Klein. I am confident that her purposeful approach to design and work ethic, combined with our shared values, will further enrich our iconic brand and result in a collection that resonates with our consumers around the world,” Serrano stated.
Leoni’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Calvin Klein aims to relaunch its high-end Collection business. This revival follows a period of hiatus after the departure of former creative director Raf Simons in 2018. Leoni’s leadership is expected to reinvigorate the brand's presence in high fashion and on the runway, starting with a much-anticipated return to New York Fashion Week in February 2025.
Veronica Leoni brings a wealth of experience from her work with prestigious fashion houses such as Jil Sander, Céline under Phoebe Philo, Moncler, and The Row. In 2021, she founded her own brand, Quira, named after her grandmother. Leoni’s talent was recognized when she became a finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2023.
Expressing her excitement about the new role, Leoni said, “I’m thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to write a new chapter of the Calvin Klein story. For decades, Calvin Klein interpreted the idea of bold self-expression, and I am willing to empower it with a strong accent on style and creativity. I’m deeply thankful to Eva Serrano for her vision and trust.”
Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH, the parent company of Calvin Klein, highlighted the strategic importance of Leoni’s role. “Veronica’s work will add the next-level aspirational halo for the brand and reinforce the strong foundation already in place towards building Calvin Klein into one of the most desirable lifestyle brands in the world,” Larsson said.
Leoni’s appointment reflects a broader trend in the fashion industry, which has seen significant reshuffling of top designers at major brands like Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Moschino. This dynamic environment underscores the competitive nature of the luxury fashion market and the high stakes involved in such prominent appointments. Calvin Klein reported $3.9 billion in
