Category: Fashion

Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], today announced its new CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR and CALVIN KLEIN JEANS global multi-media advertising campaign. The campaign introduces an evolution in the CALVIN KLEINbrand’s globally recognized #MYCALVINS call to action: “Our Family. #MYCALVINS.”

Shot by photographer Willy Vanderperre, the first iteration of this new campaign features songwriter and recording/visual artist Solange alongside her personally curated cast of singers/songwriters, including Kelela, Dev Hynes, Caroline Polachek, and Adam Bainbridge of Kindness. The cast is featured wearing CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR and CALVIN KLEIN JEANS core styles that are available in stores and online now.

The group is shot together as a “chosen” musical family, illustrating the overarching message of the campaign. The evolved #MYCALVINS concept has family at its center, a display of unity between strong individuals, further emphasized by the symbolism of the traditional American quilt. This campaign captures these bonds and brings to life different ways we can inspire families – both born and made – to connect with one another, and celebrate the things that unite us.

This launch marks the first moment of the new “Our Family. #MYCALVINS” campaign rollout, with a series of campaign launches that will run from Holiday 2017 through the Spring 2018 season. The talent featured will represent the bridging of several generations stylistically, musically and culturally. They will bring their stories to life as “Our Family” with family and community at the epicenter of the conversation.

For the first time, the brand is embracing a digital first, socially powered mindset in communicating the evolution of the globally successful #MYCALVINS initiative originally launched in 2014. The #MYCALVINS campaign leverages influencers’ and existing consumer behavior to express themselves, and maximizes the cultural ‘selfie’ and viral image-sharing phenomenon. With dedicated digital support in 12 countries and key high impact outdoor in several key markets throughout the holiday season, the “Our Family. #MYCALVINS” initiative will be communicated to a global audience.  

CALVIN KLEIN is a global lifestyle brand that exemplifies bold, progressive ideals and a seductive aesthetic. We seek to thrill and inspire our audience while using provocative imagery and striking designs to ignite the senses.

Founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz, we have built our reputation as a leader in American fashion through our clean aesthetic and innovative designs. Global retail sales of CALVIN KLEIN brand products exceeded $8 billion in 2016 and were distributed in over 110 countries. CALVIN KLEIN employs over 10,000 associates globally. We were acquired by PVH Corp. in 2003.

With a history going back over 135 years, PVH has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world. We have over 35,000 associates operating in over 40 countries and over $8 billion in annual revenues. We own the iconic CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warner’s and Olga brands, as well as the digital-centric True & Co. intimates brand, and market a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands.

 *The Speedo brand is licensed for North America and the Caribbean in perpetuity from Speedo International Limited.

1986 was a momentous year in cinema history. Not only did kick-ass heroine Ellen Ripley return to the silver screen in James Cameron’s Aliens, it also marked the debut of Ripley’s signature footwear: the iconic ‘Alien Stomper’ boots made especially for her by Reebok.

Answering the dreams of die-hard film fans and sneakerheads alike, Reebok will commemorate the moment by releasing a pair of highly collectible Alien Stompers this year. Drawing rich design details from the climactic duel between Ripley and the Xenomorph Queen, the ‘Final Battle’ pack is a nostalgic celebration of one of the most intense blockbuster finales in cinematic history.

The ‘Queen’ Alien Stomper was inspired by the gloss finish of the Xenomorph exoskeleton. A tribute to the deadly matriarchal villain, the shoes are assembled using high-sheen black patent leather and a toxic green glow that pulses beneath the translucent midsole as a nod to the Queen’s corrosive blood. To complete the ensemble, the Stomper’s signature forefoot strap is embroidered with ‘XX121’, the code designation given to the extraterrestrial species.

The ‘Powerloader’ Alien Stomper, inspired by Ripley’s battle-ready cargo suit, is an impressive work of art. Icy orange outsoles complement the striking ‘safety yellow’ leather upper, while red arrows reference the suit’s hydraulic movement. Debossed ‘PWL’ heel graphics and call-outs clarify the model’s identity, including the P-5000 serial number. As a nod to the canopy that protects Ripley during the final showdown, mesh panels overlay the Reebok logo, while quilting on the tongue and insoles evokes the industrial mechanoid’s upholstery.

The unisex sized shoes will be packaged in an ornate box that is also dripping with symbolism. Reebok designers immersed themselves in the film’s folklore, combing the Internet for obscure visual references and freeze-framing repeatedly to unlock minute details hidden in the loading dock where the final battle takes place.

The Queen’s chamber (inner box) is decorated with an alien hive pattern, while the Powerloader bay (outer box) is modeled after the chamber that houses the suit. For the outer box, there is a green splatter that references the alien’s acid blood burning through the container as well as key design cues that take direct references to the outer lock door, and various hidden details that reference “Aliens” as well as Reebokmythography.  The inner box, inspired by the Alien Hive, has a distinctive pattern that hides Xenomorphs, face huggers, and eggs, and also incorporates design details from the body of the ship, including the iconic floor grates, air outtakes, and hazard stripes from the Powerloader.

The lavish cube is made by hand, using high-gauge cardboard which has been printed using multiple techniques and then debossed to add depth and texture. Tucked away safely inside, each shoe is stored in a separate drawer.

For consumers in New York City, on Monday, July 17, 2017, the Reebok FitHub (1 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003, 10am-9pm) will give early access to purchase one of 50 Alien Stomper packs, ranging in unisex sizing from 4 to 13.  Consumers will receive custom Alien-inspired pins as a gift with purchase. Consumers will also have the opportunity to purchase limited edition, numbered unisex T-shirts (7 designs total) inspired by the Alien Stomper.

For more information please visit https://stores.reebok.com/fithub/union-square-new-york-ny/. On Tuesday, July 18^th at 12 pm EST, the Reebok Alien Stomper ‘Final Battle’ pack will have a wider release on Reebok.comand all Reebok Certified Network and Affiliate Accounts for $325 in unisex sizing, paying homage to the original film release date for the “Aliens” movie.  On Reebok.com, consumers will not be able to return or exchange the shoes they purchased, and they cannot add any additional product besides the Alien Stomper pack to their shopping cart as their order will be canceled.

Photographer: Thomas Welch
Styling: Jenny Hoopala
Words: Stephanie Smith-Strickland

The conquering underdog archetype is tailored to hip-hop’s visceral emotional range with the same precision as a made- to-measure Savile Row suit destined for a James Bond film. “You counted me out and I came back better than ever” is a recurring sentiment that is older than the genesis of hip-hop itself, though contemporary rappers seem to have perfected the “started from the bottom, now we’re here” narrative. Few recent projects have channeled an attitude of righteous reprisal and ultimate triumph in as vehement a manner as Big Sean’s fourth studio album, I Decided. It’s another step in the evolution of the Detroit talent — a definitive statement from a relatable dark horse who has finally won the race.

Read more over at High Snobiety.