Can a fresh perspective truly breathe new life into a legacy? Veronica Leoni, the Italian creator, is poised to redefine the minimal sensuality of Calvin Klein, signaling a return to the brand's minimalist roots by merging rigor and intimacy.
The fashion world is abuzz with anticipation, as Calvin Klein Collection prepares for a revival under the creative direction of Veronica Leoni. The appointment, announced with a sense of pride by the brand, marks a pivotal moment, positioning Leoni at the helm of the pinnacle expression of Calvin Klein. Her role encompasses the design of the ultimate expression of the Calvin Klein brand, encompassing apparel, underwear, and accessories, promising a comprehensive reimagining of the iconic label.
Leoni's journey to this prestigious role is marked by a compelling blend of experience and vision. With a background that includes formative years at esteemed houses like The Row and Cline (during Phoebe Philo's tenure), as well as stints at Jil Sander and Moncler, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinct design sensibility. Adding to her credentials is the 2020 launch of her own label, Quira, a project that swiftly garnered critical acclaim and culminated in a nomination for the LVMH Prize for Young Designers in 2023. Her approach to fashion is known for its thoughtfulness, rawness, directness, and soulful quality traits that hint at a unique perspective on Calvin Klein's minimalist heritage.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Veronica Leoni |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Education | Graduated in Literature |
| Known For | Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection, Founder of Quira |
| Key Positions | Creative Director, Calvin Klein Collection |
| Founder, Quira | |
| Previous Experience | The Row, Cline (during Phoebe Philo's tenure), Jil Sander, Moncler |
| Awards and Recognition | LVMH Prize Finalist (2023) |
| Notable Projects | Quira (own label, launched 2020), Calvin Klein Collection Revival (2025) |
| Design Philosophy | Minimalist, with emphasis on rigor and intimacy; thoughtful, raw, direct, and soulful approach |
| Style | Minimalism with a focus on high-quality materials and construction |
| Associated Brands | Calvin Klein, Quira, Jil Sander, Cline, The Row, Moncler |
| Reference Website | LVMH - Calvin Klein |
The choice of Leoni reflects a strategic vision for the brand, as Calvin Klein aims for a return to the runway in 2025. This strategic move signifies a strong belief in Leoni's capacity to bring the American brand back into the spotlight and revive the luxury side of the brand.
Leoni's journey has been marked by a dedication to the art of design. Her own label, Quira, which she founded in 2020, serves as a testament to her aesthetic vision. Quiras fall presentation, held at the Oratoire du Louvre, a venue chosen for its solemnity, framed what Leoni described as a "raw, crude, textural collection," indicating a commitment to a distinctive, unfiltered approach to design.
Leoni's approach to design has been repeatedly praised for its thoughtful, raw, direct, and soulful qualities. In Quira, named after her grandmother Quirina, Leoni has cultivated a brand that embodies artistic audacity, bold style, and playful elegance. It is this unique blend of qualities that has positioned her as a standout figure in the fashion world, leading to her selection to revitalize Calvin Klein. Her design philosophy is rooted in the concept of purity and the power of design, which is evident in her collection.
Her collaboration with Eva Serrano, Global Brand President of Calvin Klein, further reinforces the brands commitment to a cohesive vision, ensuring that inspiration from the collection is integrated into the mainline portfolio and finds its way to the red carpet. Leoni will partner closely with Eva Serrano, bringing inspiration from the collection to the mainline portfolio and the red carpet, further solidifying her influence.
Leoni's perspective promises a fresh interpretation of Calvin Klein's core values. As a finalist at the LVMH Prize 2023, Leoni has showcased her ability to articulate her vision, reflecting on her personal journey and the formative influences that have shaped her as a designer, particularly through her brand, Quira.
The appointment of Leoni is significant not only for its creative implications but also from the standpoint of industry diversity. This appointment is a noteworthy moment, particularly at a time when the industry is addressing the lack of representation and the relative scarcity of women in leadership roles within design studios. Her presence in a top fashion job is seen as an opportunity to shift the narrative.
The appointment of Veronica Leoni as Creative Director of the Calvin Klein Collection marks a significant moment in the fashion industry. With her wealth of experience, unique design philosophy, and the backing of key industry figures, Leoni is poised to usher in a new era for the iconic American brand.
The industry buzz around Leoni's appointment extends beyond the fashion world, with many people taking notice and anticipating a revitalization of Calvin Klein. It is through her unique aesthetic, honed over years of working with some of the biggest names in fashion, that she might just be the right person for the job.
During her presentation for the Calvin Klein Collection, she humorously remarked, "I feel like King Kong today," providing insight into her feelings about her position.
Her appointment is effective from the beginning of the week, signalling a return to the runway in 2025.
With her appointment, Leoni brings a wave of fresh energy to the forefront of the American fashion world.
The anticipation surrounding Leoni's debut at Calvin Klein is rooted in the combination of her prior experience, her understanding of minimalism, and her ability to create collections.
