Calvin Klein Inc., part of PVH Corp., will launch Jung Kook for Calvin Klein, a limited-edition men’s and women’s capsule in partnership with global brand ambassador Jung Kook, marking his first fashion collaboration.
The 28-year-old South Korean Jung Kook rose to prominence as a member and vocalist of South Korean boy band BTS and a successful solo career. He became a brand ambassador for Calvin Klein in March 2023, and has been featured in numerous ad campaigns for the brand. Billboard named Jung Kook best K-pop artist in 2024 in its first ranking of the top 100 K-pop stars.
Building on the brand’s long-standing ambassadorship with the artist, the men’s and women’s 20-style capsule reimagines Calvin Klein’s essentials through the lens of Jung Kook’s rebellious and edgy style, blending biker attitude with Calvin Klein’s storied design codes.
The capsule is rooted in underwear and key denim silhouettes, including the ’90s trucker jacket and ’90s straight and low-rise baggy styles. The line is complemented by graphic Ts, sweatshirts and a racer jacket. The capsule’s attitude and worn-in edge is reinforced with distressed denim accents and racing stripe details.
A look at the Jung Kook for Calvin Klein denim jacket.
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
The capsule has special logo branding [CKJK], interior woven labels, hidden embroidery, and Jung Kook-inspired graphics and custom denim washes, as well as exclusive packaging.
“This collaboration brings together two cultural forces at full power, combining the unmistakable influence of Jung Kook with Calvin Klein’s iconic brand codes to create something with real impact,” said David Savman, global brand president of Calvin Klein. “Through Jung Kook’s lens, we’re able to express a more personal side of the partnership, inspired by his individuality and passion for motorcycles, all interpreted through the Calvin Klein aesthetic. Together, we are reimagining our icons for today in a way that feels authentic, culturally resonant and globally compelling.”
Discussing why he thinks a Jung Kook by Calvin Klein capsule will resonate with his customers, and whether he believes it will attract new customers to the brand, Savman told WWD, “Jung Kook has been a global ambassador for Calvin Klein for years, and we’ve seen the powerful connection he has with his audience globally. His cultural impact, authenticity and style resonate deeply with both our existing customers and his highly engaged fanbase.
“What makes this capsule especially compelling is the way it combines Jung Kook’s influence with Calvin Klein’s most recognizable styles to create something that feels fresh, personal and culturally relevant while remaining true to the brand,” said Savman.
“It gives us an opportunity not only to deepen engagement with our current consumer, but also to introduce Calvin Klein to new audiences globally through his followers. Consumers today engage through social, celebrity and culture-driven content, and this collaboration sits at the intersection of all of those influences,” he said.
The Jung Kook for Calvin Klein leather jacket.
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
Jung Kook was involved throughout the entire creative process, from the initial concept discussions through to the final design details. He selected the denim washes and worked with the Calvin Klein teams to customize the fit of items such as the iconic trucker jacket. Both he and the Calvin Klein teams wanted to ensure his presence was felt across the capsule, collaborating to integrate special touches such as the graphics and hidden interior embroidery of his signature. The entire collection is rooted in Jung Kook’s love for motorcycles so it has an inherent connection to his personality.
This isn’t Klein’s first collaboration with a pop star. The brand launched a Jennie for Calvin Klein collaboration in spring 2023. That collection featured underwear sets, denim, T-shirts, fleece and knits infused with the Blackpink star’s style and creativity.
The Jung Kook collaboration launches with a cinematic campaign that captures Jung Kook’s magnetic energy and rebellious spirit through a biker concept that takes cues from his passion for motorcycles. Alasdair McLellan shot the portraits and a series of trailers that portray Jung Kook as a modern icon embodying the freedom of the open road, uniting fashion and entertainment to create an immersive world that balances his larger-than-life impact with Calvin Klein’s point of view.
The collaboration campaign kicked off with a teaser Friday revealing the custom logo. Starting Monday, campaign content including imagery, video, behind-the-scenes visuals and content exploring the capsule’s design will being pulsing out on Calvin Klein’s social channels, along with paid social placements driving customers to explore the capsule.
The Jung Kook for Calvin Klein sweatshirt.
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
Jung Kook for Calvin Klein will be available on calvinklein.com/CKJK in participating markets starting Tuesday at 6 p.m., EST, and in select Calvin Klein stores and wholesale partners on Wednesday, with retail prices ranging from $29 to $699.
Limited-edition men’s and women’s underwear styles will be available exclusively at Calvin Klein’s Harajuku, Soho and Champs-Elysees flagships.
The Jung Kook for Calvin Klein graphic T-shirt.
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
On Wednesday, the brand will host immersive Jung Kook for Calvin Klein retail pop-ups around the world, including Singapore, Thailand, Sydney, Melbourne, Taiwan, Malaysia, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Shanghai, including a one-day event in Los Angeles that will further bring consumers into the world of the collaboration, with product available for purchase. Posters inspired by the campaign will be available at the pop-up and participating stores as a collective gift-with-purchase.
