Model Dakin Robinson steps into the spotlight wearing Calvin Klein AW25—where raw denim, sculpted tanks, and oversized layers meet the pulse of NYC. A Gen Z portrait of confidence, simplicity, and timeless edge captured in motion.
Photography by Penelope Peralta
The Calvin Klein Code: Minimalism, Sex Appeal, and Now, Gen Z Swagger
Calvin Klein has always been more than a fashion label—it’s a cultural mirror, a provocateur, and a master of reinvention. From its inception in 1968, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries, defined eras, and captured the zeitgeist with a clarity few others have matched. Whether through its iconic denim campaigns, its groundbreaking underwear ads, or its minimalist aesthetic, Calvin Klein has remained a fixture in global fashion. And in 2025, the brand is once again redefining itself—this time through the lens of Gen Z.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a Calvin Klein tank-top, classic blue denim jeans, Calvin Klein underwear, and a belt by Remo Tulliani.
A Brief History: From Minimalism to Global Icon
Founded by designer Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz, the brand began as a coat shop in New York City. It quickly expanded into sportswear, and by the 1970s, Calvin Klein was synonymous with clean lines, neutral palettes, and a pared-down elegance that stood in stark contrast to the flamboyance of the time. The brand’s minimalist ethos wasn’t just a design choice—it was a philosophy. Calvin Klein garments were about clarity, confidence, and quiet power.
But it was in the 1980s and ’90s that Calvin Klein truly exploded into the cultural consciousness. The launch of Calvin Klein Jeans, accompanied by the now-legendary Brooke Shields campaign (“You know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”), was a seismic moment in fashion advertising. It was bold, unapologetic, and undeniably sexy. The brand followed up with equally provocative underwear campaigns featuring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss, cementing its reputation for pushing the envelope.
Calvin Klein didn’t just sell clothes—it sold attitude. It sold identity. And it did so with a visual language that was stark, sensual, and unforgettable.
The Evolution of Staples: Jeans, Tanks, Tees, and Underwear
Over the decades, Calvin Klein has refined its core offerings—denim, tanks, tees, and underwear—into global staples. Calvin Klein Jeans became a symbol of youthful rebellion and effortless cool. The denim was rugged yet refined, designed to mold to the body and age with grace. Tanks and tees followed suit, offering minimalist silhouettes that could be layered or worn alone, always with a sense of ease and sophistication.
And then there’s the underwear. Calvin Klein revolutionized the category, turning it into a fashion statement. The waistband logo became iconic, a badge of sensuality and self-expression. The brand’s underwear campaigns weren’t just about fit—they were about freedom, confidence, and the celebration of the body.
Today, these staples remain central to the Calvin Klein identity. But they’ve been reimagined for a new generation—one that demands authenticity, inclusivity, and a deeper connection to the brands they wear.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a Calvin Klein classic denim jeans, Calvin Klein Tank Top and Belt by Remo Tulliani.
AW25: A Social Media Editorial for the Now
As the creative director and wardrobe stylist for the AW25 Calvin Klein menswear shoot, I had the privilege of working with a Gen Z crew that brought an entirely new rhythm to the set—fluid, collaborative, and refreshingly unfiltered. There’s an intuitive ease in how this generation moves through fashion; they don’t perform style, they inhabit it. Watching Dakin Robinson navigate the streets of New York with the camera rolling felt less like direction and more like documentation. Gen Z doesn’t need to be told how to wear something—they reinterpret it instinctively. The crew mirrored that energy: agile with tech, emotionally intelligent, and deeply attuned to the cultural pulse. Their approach to styling, lighting, and storytelling was less about polish and more about presence. It reminded me that authenticity isn’t a trend—it’s a standard.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a Calvin Klein classic black denim jeans and signature underwear.
The Autumn/Winter 2025 menswear campaign is a testament to Calvin Klein’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Shot on the streets of New York City by visionary photographer Penelope Peralta, the campaign stars Gen Z model Dakin Robinson—a face that embodies the new masculinity: expressive, confident, and digitally fluent.
From a wardrobe perspective, Calvin Klein’s mens denim, underwear, and tanks are having a renaissance. The collection itself is a masterclass in modern minimalism. The denim is rugged yet soft, designed to wear in, not out. And, it is engineered with a lived-in sensibility—structured enough to hold shape, but soft enough to move with the body. It’s not trying to be vintage; it’s trying to be real. The underwear remains iconic, but now it’s less about overt sex appeal and more about quiet confidence—logo waistbands peeking out beneath slouchy denim, styled not for shock but for self-expression. And the tanks? They’re the unsung heroes. Cut with architectural precision, they layer seamlessly or stand alone with understated power. Calvin Klein has always understood the language of minimalism, but today it’s speaking it with Gen Z fluency: stripped down, self-aware, and unapologetically cool.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a Calvin Klein classic denim jeans and Underwear. Belt by Remo Tulliani.
Gen Z Wears Calvin—And They’re Not Just Following Trends, They’re Setting Them
This isn’t nostalgia. It’s evolution. Calvin Klein’s AW25 collection is tailored for the Gen Z psychographic: young men who value comfort, identity, and aesthetic clarity. They’re not buying clothes to fit in—they’re curating a look to stand out. And Calvin Klein gets that.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a red sweatshirt, off-white classic denim jeans, and signature underwear—all by Calvin Klein.
Gen Z is a generation defined by paradoxes. They crave simplicity but demand depth. They value individuality but seek community. They are digital natives who long for tactile experiences. Calvin Klein’s AW25 campaign speaks directly to these complexities.
The NYC setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character. From subway platforms to rooftop courts, Dakin Robinson moves through the city like it’s his runway. The styling is deliberate: denim jackets with lived-in fades, tanks that hug the torso without screaming for attention, and sweatshirts that feel like armor against the chaos of urban life.
This is Calvin Klein through a Gen Z lens—less polished, more personal.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a denim jacket, blue tank top, and blue jeans—all by Calvin Klein. Belt by Remo Tulliani.
Tan tank and classic denim jeans, both by Calvin Klein. Signature underwear by Calvin Klein. Belt by Remo Tulliani. Model: Dakin Robinson.
Social Media: The New Runway
Calvin Klein’s marketing message for AW25 is clear: meet Gen Z where they live—on their phones. The brand’s social media strategy is sharp, cinematic, and emotionally resonant. TikTok edits show Dakin in motion, capturing the rhythm of NYC and the pulse of youth culture. Instagram reels highlight the tactile beauty of the garments—the way the denim creases, the way the tanks catch light, the way the sweatshirts drape.
But it’s not just about visuals. Calvin Klein is leaning into storytelling. Behind-the-scenes content, model interviews, and user-generated style challenges invite the audience to participate, not just consume. Gen Z doesn’t want to be sold to—they want to be seen. And Calvin Klein is giving them the spotlight.
Model Dakin Robinson wears a Calvin Klein tank-top, classic blue denim jeans, Calvin Klein underwear, and a belt by Remo Tulliani.
Understanding Gen Z: Attitudes, Aesthetics, and Aspirations
To understand why Calvin Klein’s AW25 campaign resonates so deeply, you have to understand Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is the most diverse, digitally connected, and socially conscious generation in history. They grew up with smartphones, social media, and a global perspective. They value transparency, inclusivity, and authenticity.
Fashion, for Gen Z, is not just about aesthetics—it’s about identity. They use clothing to express who they are, what they believe, and how they see the world. They reject fast fashion’s disposability and embrace brands that offer quality, sustainability, and meaning.
Calvin Klein’s AW25 collection speaks to these values. The garments are built to last, designed to move, and styled to reflect the wearer’s personality. The campaign doesn’t dictate trends—it invites interpretation.
The Product: Built to Wear, Designed to Last
Let’s talk about the clothes. Calvin Klein’s AW25 menswear is a masterclass in elevated basics:
- Denim: Structured but soft, with washes that deepen over time. These jeans aren’t just worn—they’re lived in. They tell a story with every crease and fade.
- Tank Tops: Minimalist cuts with maximum versatility. Perfect for layering or standing alone. They offer a blank canvas for self-expression.
- Sweatshirts: Oversized, plush, and built for movement. They’re as comfortable on the couch as they are on the street. They offer protection, warmth, and style.
- T-Shirts: Clean lines, breathable fabrics, and subtle branding. A nod to CK’s heritage of simplicity. They’re understated but impactful.
The quality is undeniable. These pieces wash well, wear better, and age beautifully. Calvin Klein understands that Gen Z wants value—not just in price, but in longevity. Fast fashion is out. Timeless staples are in.
Dark blue denim jeans and white underwear, both by Calvin Klein. Belt by Remo Tulliani. Model: Dakin Robinson.
A Legacy Reimagined
Calvin Klein’s history is rich with cultural moments. From Brooke Shields’ iconic denim ads to Mark Wahlberg’s underwear campaign, CK has always known how to make a statement. But staying relevant means evolving—and that’s exactly what the brand is doing.
Under new creative leadership, Calvin Klein is embracing a design philosophy that honors its minimalist roots while injecting fresh energy. The AW25 collection is proof: it’s bold without being brash, sexy without being performative, and modern without losing its soul.
Who’s Wearing Calvin Klein Now?
The demographic is clear: Gen Z men aged 18–30 who live in cities, follow fashion accounts, and care about how they present themselves. Psychographically, they’re expressive, socially conscious, and digitally native. They want clothes that reflect their values—simplicity, quality, and individuality.
Calvin Klein is speaking their language. The AW25 campaign doesn’t just show clothes—it shows a lifestyle. It’s about movement, mood, and meaning.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
No brand is immune to challenges. Calvin Klein faces stiff competition from streetwear labels, fast fashion giants, and emerging direct-to-consumer brands. The pressure to stay relevant is real.
But CK has tools that others don’t: a legacy of iconic design, a global platform, and a renewed focus on storytelling. To thrive, the brand must continue investing in:
- Sustainability: Gen Z demands ethical production and transparency. Calvin Klein must continue to innovate in materials, manufacturing, and messaging.
- Diversity: Representation in campaigns and design is non-negotiable. Gen Z wants to see themselves reflected in the brands they support.
- Digital Innovation: From AR try-ons to community-driven content, CK must stay ahead of the curve. The future of fashion is interactive, immersive, and inclusive.
Calvin Klein Isn’t Just Back—It Never Left
Calvin Klein is doubling down on what made it iconic—clean design, cultural relevance, and a touch of sex appeal—while embracing the values and aesthetics of a new generation.
Dakin Robinson isn’t just modeling clothes—he’s modeling a mindset. And Penelope Peralta’s NYC shoot captures that beautifully. This is Calvin Klein with swagger, stripped of pretense and full of purpose. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling seen.
In 2025, Calvin Klein isn’t chasing Gen Z. It’s walking beside them, reflecting their complexity, amplifying their voice, and celebrating their individuality. The brand’s code—minimalism, sex appeal, and now, Gen Z swagger—isn’t just a tagline. It’s a blueprint for relevance in a world that demands more than style. It demands substance.
Creative Direction & Styling: Joseph DeAcetis Photography: Penelope Peralta Grooming: Xingtang Tong (Maxxi) Model: Dakin Robinson Shot on Location: New York City
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