Veronica Leoni, an LVMH-prize finalist and former design director at The Row, has been appointed as the creative director of Calvin Klein Collection. This significant move marks Calvin Klein’s return to the runway, a space it has been absent from since the departure of Raf Simons in 2018.
Leoni, who also founded the brand Quira, will present her first collection for Calvin Klein in Fall 2025. The appointment is part of a broader strategy by PVH, Calvin Klein’s parent company, to revitalize the American brand and recapture its former prestige.
In a statement, PVH emphasized that reviving Calvin Klein’s premium “Collection” line under Leoni “marks one of the most important [in its] series of strategic steps” aimed at rekindling interest in the brand. This move follows a successful marketing push earlier this year that featured actor Jeremy Allen White in a viral ad campaign, but the brand has struggled to maintain momentum beyond its iconic underwear line.
The runway “Collection,” previously renamed “205W39NYC” under Simons, was shuttered in 2018 along with the “By Appointment” red carpet line. Leoni’s extensive experience at Jil Sander, Celine, Moncler, and The Row, combined with her innovative work at Quira, positions her to lead Calvin Klein into a new era.
Quira has been celebrated for its creative twists on sartorial staples and its cross-category approach to brand building, incorporating Italian-made boots and leather satchels alongside skirt suits, ruffled blouses, and knit dresses. At Calvin Klein, Leoni is expected to merge her deep industry expertise with the brand’s modern aesthetic, crafting designs that embody the ultimate representation of Calvin Klein.
“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. My career has been marked by inspiring encounters with some of the most visionary women in fashion and she is one of them. I also want to thank PVH CEO Stefan Larsson for the amazing opportunity to celebrate one of the most influential brands of American fashion.” – Leoni said.
Leoni will collaborate closely with Eva Serrano, Calvin Klein’s global brand president, to infuse inspiration from the Collection into the mainline portfolio and red carpet offerings. This partnership aims to ensure that Calvin Klein’s reinvigorated Collection line resonates across all aspects of the brand.
As the fashion industry eagerly anticipates Leoni’s debut collection, Calvin Klein’s return to the runway signifies a bold step forward in reclaiming its status as a leading name in American fashion.
