When Veronica Leoni, the newly appointed creative director of Calvin Klein, unveiled her F/W 25 collection in February in NYC, the fashion world was abuzz with excitement. Not only was it the first time Calvin Klein had shown in the city since 2018, but it was also Leoni’s inaugural collection. Insiders celebrated her skillful mix of fresh innovation and understated yet chic coolness, while honoring Calvin Klein’s legacy of American simplicity. All the praise left fashion people eagerly waiting to see what Leoni would do next. Yesterday, that anticipation culminated in a beautiful showcase for S/S 26.
Taking place at the Brant Foundation in NYC, the Calvin Klein show was a star-studded event. A-list attendees, including Rosalía, Lily Collins, and Solange Knowles, were there to support Leoni’s sophomore collection. Speaking of the collection, it focused on and mastered sensual minimalism, starting with monochromatic black, white, and beige outfits, some of which included thin-strap sculpted dresses paired with modest headscarves and leather loafers or boots. On the other hand, tailored pants and shorts were styled with low, rounded-neck blazers that featured delicate bras peeking out from the top. Long fringe dresses and pops of green, pink, and red added personality, as did what some might call the star of the show, a tweed dress woven with the brand’s iconic logo underwear waistbands.
For more on Leoni’s S/S 26 sensual yet minimalist collection for Calvin Klein, keep scrolling.
A-List Attendees
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pictured: Rosalía
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pictured: Lily Collins
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pictured: Solange Knowles
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pictured: Naomi Watts
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pictured: Emily Ratajkowski
An Intimate Touch
As mentioned, one of the main themes of the collection was sensual minimalism, expressed predominantly by bras that peeked out from beneath tailored dresses and jackets. Made from sheer fabrics and luxe satin, these bras added an air of mystery and allure. They revealed just one to two inches of delicate intimacy, skilfully balancing the fine line between visibility and concealment, indulgence and restraint. Some bras were in deep muted tones, while others shone in shades of pink, injecting a playful energy that felt different but refreshing for the brand.
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
Belted Silhouettes
Very thin, rope-like belts added a sensual yet understated element to the collection. While they were wrapped around tailored blazers, leather trench coats, and long-sleeve draped dresses, their goal was clear: to gently accentuate the contours of the female silhouette. They accomplished this all the while exuding an air of sophistication, elegance, and refinement.
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
Tactile Textures
Leoni pushed her minimalist vision further, not only daringly experimenting with shapes but also with textures. Long-sleeve slip dresses came alive with cascading strands of fringe, reminiscent of long locks of hair that danced with each movement. We also saw trench coats and leather dresses styled with tassel keychains and handbags that draped effortlessly from the models’ hands. In a delightful surprise, the American house introduced pom-pom accessories—an unexpected trend we’re seeing for spring—that decorated pencil skirts and oversize blazers, adding flair to the sophisticated silhouettes.
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
CK Underwear Influence
Since Leoni stepped into her new role last year, her mission at Calvin Klein has been to breathe new life into the brand through fresh and innovative designs, all while honoring its rich heritage. With this new collection, she certainly achieved that, especially in the latter part. The iconic CK underwear was reimaged with dresses that featured the banded part of the underwear woven together. She even drew inspiration from the intimate wear, designing sporty sunglasses that featured the black and white Calvin Klein branding. However, her creativity didn’t stop there; Leoni also made sheer white leggings with the CK waistband feel wearable by styling them with a cropped draped blouse and leather moccasins.
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)