Breaking stories and in‑depth analysis: up‑to‑the‑minute global news on politics, business, technology, culture, and more—24/7, all in one place.
Modern YORK – Veronica Leoni presented her latest collection for Calvin Klein, Fall/Winter 2026, at The Shed in New York City, continuing her exploration of the brand’s iconic aesthetic with a focus on the body and a return to the streamlined elegance of the 1970s and 80s. The show, a key event during New York Fashion Week, underscored Calvin Klein’s enduring appeal and Leoni’s growing influence on the American heritage brand.
Leoni’s third showcase for Calvin Klein Collection felt particularly ambitious, according to backstage reports, as she delved into the brand’s history of iconography whereas rigorously exploring shape, craft, and simplification. This season marks a decisive shift from the form-fitting silhouettes of previous collections, leaning instead toward conceptual designs that prioritize the relationship between garment and body. The collection is being hailed as a pivotal moment in Leoni’s tenure, solidifying her vision for the future of Calvin Klein.
The runway featured designs that played with detail and form. Jackets were altered to reveal the back, oversized shearling collars were draped over outerwear, and streamlined silhouettes accentuated the body. The show culminated in dramatic, oversized trench coats and flowing dresses, showcasing a range of textures and proportions. “We played with obsessions of the body,” Leoni explained, describing the looks as evoking a sense of “superheroes.”
A key element of the collection was a reinterpretation of Calvin Klein’s 1976 denim, the first ever presented on a runway by the brand. This archival inspiration manifested in a logo embroidered onto an aviator jacket worn over a satin tuxedo and a checkered trench coat. Denim suits were also layered under thin coats, while tailoring featured rebellious details like sleeveless jackets and structured suits. Leoni aimed for a more essential expression of elegance and style, reminiscent of the brand’s defining aesthetic from the late 1970s and early 1980s, emphasizing intimacy and attention to form.
The presentation extended beyond the clothing itself, with a carefully curated casting and front row attendance. Supermodels Hilary Rhoda and Guinevere van Seenus walked the runway, while Brooke Shields, Lily Collins, and Dakota Johnson were among the celebrities in attendance, alongside Grace van Patten and Jackson White, stars of the popular series Tell Me Lies. This high-profile attendance reinforced Calvin Klein’s status as a cultural touchstone.
A Return to Sensuality and Minimalism
Critics have noted Leoni’s ability to distill Calvin Klein’s historic sensuality into a precise and body-conscious exploration of modern elegance. The collection advanced a vision rooted in reduction—not as restraint, but as refinement—where every seam, cut, and surface heightened the dialogue between garment and body. This approach echoes the late 1970s and early 1980s, the era in which Calvin Klein first defined its distinct language of sensual minimalism, while translating those ideas for a contemporary audience. As Remix magazine noted, the collection felt like Leoni’s most ambitious to date.
The Power of the Calvin Klein Image
Calvin Klein continues to be a significant draw during fashion week, attracting attention from both the fashion industry and the broader cultural landscape. Leoni’s work is seen as a key factor in this continued success, as she steers the brand toward a forward-looking aesthetic that balances experimentation with a respect for its heritage. The show demonstrated a commitment to experimentation, subtle touches of sensuality, and a new sense of vanity. The Fall 2026 collection, as seen in the full runway show, is a testament to Leoni’s vision.
Looking ahead, the impact of Leoni’s direction on Calvin Klein will continue to unfold. The brand’s ability to attract both established icons and emerging talent suggests a strong position for future collections and collaborations. The focus on essential wardrobe categories – suiting, trenches, and coats – indicates a commitment to creating timeless pieces that resonate with a modern audience.
What are your thoughts on Veronica Leoni’s latest collection for Calvin Klein? Share your opinions in the comments below.