Calvin Klein Embraces '70s and '80s Aesthetic in Latest Collection

Creative director Veronica Leoni draws inspiration from the 'cult of the body' for Fall/Winter 2026 line.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Calvin Klein's Fall/Winter 2026 collection, designed by creative director Veronica Leoni, was heavily influenced by the brand's iconic '70s and '80s aesthetic. The line featured underwear-as-outerwear moments, sheer layers, cutout blouses, and exaggerated silhouettes that celebrated the physical form. Leoni also incorporated denim for the first time, drawing from the brand's 1976 archive, and added pops of color like burgundy and clementine.

Why it matters

Calvin Klein's latest collection taps into the current cultural obsession with the body and physical fitness, mirroring the brand's own history of championing the cult of the body. By revisiting this era, the brand is able to connect with both longtime fans and a new generation of consumers drawn to the retro-inspired, body-conscious aesthetic.

The details

Veronica Leoni's Fall/Winter 2026 collection for Calvin Klein was inspired by 'the cult of the body and the satisfaction that comes from accentuating its perfection.' The line featured a range of pieces that highlighted the physical form, including corsets peeking out from strapless gowns, sheer long underwear-like layers, cutout blouses, and apron dresses with dangling strings. Even in more covered-up looks, like an exaggeratedly broad-shouldered blazer, the focus was on the body and the growing gender blurring as women entered the workforce. For the first time, the brand showed denim on the runway, drawing from a 1976 archive pair of jeans.

  • Calvin Klein's Fall/Winter 2026 collection debuted on the runway in February 2026.

The players

Veronica Leoni

The creative director of Calvin Klein, who designed the brand's Fall/Winter 2026 collection.

Brooke Shields

A famous model who was a face of Calvin Klein in the 1980s and was seated in the front row of the Fall/Winter 2026 show.

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What they’re saying

“Dressing is no mere covering: it is meant to impress, augmenting the body and projecting status.”

— Veronica Leoni, Creative Director, Calvin Klein (elle.com)

The takeaway

Calvin Klein's latest collection taps into the brand's iconic '70s and '80s aesthetic, celebrating the 'cult of the body' through a range of body-conscious designs. By revisiting this era, the brand is able to connect with both longtime fans and a new generation of consumers drawn to the retro-inspired, physically-focused fashion.