In the intersection of fashion and celebrity influence, Calvin Klein Underwear is well-known for its iconic and transformative advertising campaigns. These underwear ads have masterfully merged the elegance of high fashion with the magnetic appeal of global icons, creating cultural landmarks that resonate across generations.
The involvement of figures like Mark Wahlberg in the early ’90s, the captivating Justin Bieber in recent years, and the athletic charm of Freddie Ljungberg each adds a distinct chapter to the brand’s narrative.
Calvin Klein Underwear Model List
The journey through Calvin Klein’s advertising history reveals a kaleidoscope of personalities, each bringing their unique essence to the brand. The raw magnetism of Jeremy Allen White in 2024 and the striking debut of Travis Fimmel in the early 2000s showcase Calvin Klein’s enduring ability to blend style, personality, and artistry.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, celebrated for his roles in various high-profile films, starred in Calvin Klein’s spring 2023 campaign, showcasing a new range of foundational pieces, including tees, jeans, underwear, and the trucker jacket. Captured by the renowned photography duo Mert & Marcus, Taylor-Johnson’s magnetic presence was a focal point of the campaign.
The campaign highlighted Taylor-Johnson’s effortless style and chiseled physique, making him an ideal choice for Calvin Klein’s “Calvins or Nothing” concept, emphasizing confidence and sensuality. The imagery featured him in various settings, including a stunning electric video where he danced to Clash by The Blaze, further enhancing his dynamic and captivating presence.
Anthony Ramos
Anthony Ramos, known for his dynamic roles, including standout performances in Hamilton and In the Heights, brought a unique blend of charisma and authenticity to the Calvin Klein brand. Ramos’ confident demeanor and natural style resonated with audiences, making him an ideal representative for the brand’s minimalistic yet powerful aesthetic.
His involvement was particularly notable in the spring-summer 2021 Blank Canvas campaign, which focused on the brand’s core essentials—a representation of the blank slate provided for personal expression.
Antonio Sabato Jr.
Antonio Sabato Jr., initially gaining fame as a famous soap star, made a notable entry into the fashion world with his appearance in Calvin Klein Underwear’s 1990 campaign. This ad was a significant step in Sabato Jr.’s career, showcasing his versatility and appeal beyond his television roles.
The 90s campaign featuring Sabato Jr. is remembered for its striking visuals and how it captured the era’s youthful, vibrant energy. It stood out as a bold statement in fashion advertising, aligning with Calvin Klein’s reputation for innovative and edgy marketing strategies.
Fast forward nearly three decades later, Sabato Jr.’s career turned unexpectedly when he ventured into politics, making a run for Congress in 2018. This transition from a Calvin Klein underwear model to a political figure is fascinating, showcasing his diverse interests and capabilities.
Brandon Flynn
Brandon Flynn, recognized for his role in 13 Reasons Why, starred in Calvin Klein’s Pride and holiday 2023 campaigns. In the Pride ad, Flynn, alongside Amandla Stenberg, illuminated Calvin Klein’s “This Is Love” collection, which celebrated the freedom of expression.
The campaign, photographed by Karim Sadli, featured playful and sensual aesthetics with underwear boasting rainbow motifs, color-blocking, and innovative mesh applications.
In the holiday 2023 campaign, Flynn reunited with Calvin Klein, showcasing the brand’s holiday collection. Photographer James Brodribb captured Flynn’s charm and the warmth of the holiday season through a series of dynamic portraits.
This collaboration is particularly significant given Flynn’s status as an LGBTQIA+ actor; his ongoing relationship with Calvin Klein underscores the brand’s dedication to inclusivity and representation.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish tennis sensation, made his mark in the fashion world by becoming the new face of Calvin Klein’s iconic underwear campaign, “Calvins or nothing.” At 19 years old, Alcaraz had achieved remarkable success on the tennis court, being a Grand Slam champion and the world’s No. 1 player.
The campaign, unveiled globally and shot by photographer Gray Sorrenti, featured Alcaraz in a series of evocative, stripped-back portraits and videos. These powerful black-and-white visuals highlighted Carlos’s strength and confidence and maintained the brand’s renowned sensuality.
Djimon Hounsou
In 2007, actor Djimon Hounsou brought his distinctive presence to a Calvin Klein Underwear campaign, adding a notable chapter to his diverse career. Captured by the legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh, Hounsou was featured in a series of advertisements that showcased the brand’s classic underwear designs.
Lindbergh’s photography, known for its honest and natural style, complemented Hounsou’s authentic persona, creating a powerful visual narrative for the campaign. The choice of Hounsou, an actor celebrated for his roles in critically acclaimed films, underscored Calvin Klein’s commitment to diversity and its knack for aligning with influential figures across various industries.
Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike, known for his roles in Euphoria and music career, was a prominent figure in Calvin Klein’s fall 2021 campaign. Photographed by Renell Medrano, the campaign featured Fike alongside other notable figures, emphasizing a blend of minimalist Calvin Klein essentials within familiar, comfortable environments.
The advertisement for fall 2021 diverged from the brand’s traditional approach, moving past the straightforward sex appeal of celebrities in underwear to explore more genuine expressions of individuality and emotional narrative. The campaign sought to capture a sense of intimacy and personal reflection, with the cast lounging in Calvin Klein essentials and sharing their thoughts in a video collage with voiceovers inspired by poetry.
Evan Mock
Evan Mock, an actor and influencer, has made a notable appearance in Calvin Klein’s advertising campaigns, showcasing his unique style and versatility. In 2021, Mock was featured in Calvin Klein’s holiday campaign, where Quil Lemons photographed him in a series of laid-back images.
In addition to the holiday campaign, Evan Mock co-starred with Eliot Sumner in the campaign for Calvin Klein’s ‘first clean, gender-free, and environmentally conscious’ fragrance, CK Everyone. This campaign, shot by Glen Luchford, coincided with the launch of CK ONE’s genderless underwear and jeans collections.
Fernando Verdasco
Fernando Verdasco, a top-ranked professional tennis player from Madrid, Spain, appeared in a 2010 Calvin Klein Underwear campaign showcasing the Calvin Klein X line. The advertisement photographed by Mikael Jansson in New York City represented a blend of print, outdoor, and digital media, including a dedicated microsite.
Verdasco’s athletic image in the campaign highlighted the blend of comfort and style that the Calvin Klein X line aimed to deliver, resonating with a sports-savvy and fashion-forward audience.
Freddie Ljungberg
Karl Frederik’ Freddie’ Ljungberg, who was celebrated for his achievements in football, began a significant advertising relationship with Calvin Klein Underwear in 2005. This collaboration marked an essential moment in Ljungberg’s career, showcasing his appeal and versatility beyond the football field.
Ljungberg’s transition into fashion advertising with Calvin Klein reflected his status as a sports icon. It also highlighted his capacity to engage with a broader audience.
In addition to his work with Calvin Klein, Ljungberg posed for other popular brands like Nike, L’Oreal Paris, and Puma. This diversified his portfolio in the fashion and advertising industries, demonstrating his wide-ranging appeal.
Hidetoshi Nakata
In 2010, Hidetoshi Nakata, a renowned Japanese soccer player, ventured into the fashion industry by modeling for Calvin Klein Underwear. His participation was particularly noteworthy as it showcased a design from the brand’s X range, a line known for its innovative and stylish designs.
Nakata’s foray into modeling for this campaign was a significant moment, blending the worlds of sports and fashion uniquely and strategically. Nakata, who was celebrated for his achievements on the soccer field, brought athletic dynamism and a fresh perspective to the campaign.
His involvement highlighted Calvin Klein’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing global talents from various fields. The choice of Nakata, a sports icon in Japan and internationally, helped to broaden the appeal of the Calvin Klein brand, reaching out to a broader, more diverse audience.
Jacob Elordi
In 2019 and 2021, actor Jacob Elordi, acclaimed for his roles in Euphoria, Priscilla, and Saltburn, graced the Calvin Klein Underwear campaigns, bringing his unique charisma and style to the brand. His 2019 debut with Calvin Klein was bold, aligning his rising star in Hollywood with the iconic fashion label known for its minimalist yet impactful advertising.
In the spring-summer 2021 Blank Canvas campaign, shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti, Elordi returned to Calvin Klein, bringing a more mature and refined presence. Focusing on Calvin Klein’s core essentials, the campaign highlighted new styles like white tees, denim, and monogrammed underwear.
Jamie Dornan
Before his fame in the Fifty Shades of Grey film series, Jamie Dornan was the star of a 2009 campaign for Calvin Klein Underwear, showcasing his toned physique. The shoot, set against the picturesque backdrop of Palm Springs, California, was captured by renowned photographer Steven Klein.
This exposure served as a precursor to Dornan’s later success in film, demonstrating his versatility and appeal as a model and actor. Dornan’s involvement in this project contributed to the brand’s esteemed reputation and marked a significant step in his career trajectory.
Jeremy Allen White
Jeremy Allen White, acclaimed for his role in The Bear, starred in Calvin Klein’s spring 2024 campaign. Captured by the lens of photographer Mert Alas, the advertisement featured White modeling Calvin Klein’s latest underwear styles against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.
The images and video showcasing White in various Calvin Klein underwear, including styles such as the Intense Power Micro Boxer Brief and Micro Mesh Cooling Low Rise Trunk, captured significant attention online.
The campaign highlighted Calvin Klein’s continued tradition of combining minimalistic style with comfort, showcasing their new underwear line through White’s dynamic and engaging presence.
Justin Bieber
In the spring-summer 2015 advertising campaign for Calvin Klein Jeans, singer Justin Bieber and model Lara Stone were captured by photographers Mert & Marcus. This collaboration marked a notable venture for Bieber into the fashion industry, complemented by Stone’s established modeling presence.
The Justin Bieber underwear campaign gained significant attention for its high-profile faces and cultural impact, as highlighted by a parody on Saturday Night Live. This feature on a popular comedy show underscored the ad’s broad appeal and influence beyond traditional fashion advertising, cementing its place in Calvin Klein’s history of impactful marketing strategies.
Justin Bieber’s association with Calvin Klein has been a recurring and evolving collaboration, reflecting the changing phases of his career and personal life. After his initial impact in the brand’s 2015 campaign, Bieber reunited with Calvin Klein for an advertisement in 2016.
This follow-up campaign capitalized on his continued fame and evolving image, showcasing a maturing style and presence that resonated with the brand’s aesthetics.
In 2019, marking Calvin Klein’s 50th anniversary, Bieber appeared in a special campaign alongside his wife, Hailey Bieber. This campaign was particularly significant, as it celebrated a milestone for the brand and highlighted Bieber’s journey.
Featuring the couple together brought the campaign a sense of intimacy and authenticity, aligning with Calvin Klein’s focus on personal narratives and real-life connections.
Bieber’s collaboration with Calvin Klein continued into 2020, further solidifying his role as a recurring face of the brand. Each campaign featuring Bieber has captured different facets of his persona—from a young pop sensation to a more mature, married man—reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the artist and the Calvin Klein brand.
Kellan Lutz
Kellan Lutz, known for his role in the Twilight saga, collaborated with Calvin Klein Underwear for an eye-catching advertising campaign. This partnership was a significant foray for Lutz into the fashion world, building on his fame from the blockbuster movie series.
Lutz’s shirtless appearance in the campaign highlighted his athletic physique, aligning with Calvin Klein Underwear’s reputation for showcasing strong, dynamic figures in their advertising. This collaboration was particularly impactful as it blended Lutz’s rising star status with the sophisticated, edgy aesthetic of the brand.
Maluma
In 2020, the Colombian singer Maluma, often called the Pretty Boy of Latin pop, joined the ranks of renowned personalities in a high-profile campaign for Calvin Klein Underwear. Known for his charismatic stage presence and catchy tunes, Maluma brought a unique blend of flair and sensuality to the campaign.
Maluma’s involvement was more than just a modeling stint; it celebrated his artistic persona, resonating well with his Pretty Boy nickname.
By featuring in the Calvin Klein Underwear campaign, Maluma joined the legacy of influential figures who have represented the brand, further cementing his position as a multifaceted artist and style influencer.
Mark Wahlberg
In 1992, Mark Wahlberg, then known as Marky Mark, made a significant impact in the fashion industry as the face of Calvin Klein Underwear. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, transitioning from music to a notable presence in fashion and film.
Wahlberg’s Calvin Klein campaign, often featuring alongside supermodel Kate Moss, became one of the most iconic advertisements of the era. The Wahlberg and Moss collaboration highlighted the brand’s keen eye for influential figures and set a new standard for underwear advertising.
Their joint appearance in these ads added an edgy, youthful appeal to the Calvin Klein brand, aligning perfectly with the fashion and cultural trends of the early ’90s. These advertisements are remembered for their boldness and have since become a reference point in the history of fashion marketing, showcasing the powerful impact of celebrity endorsements in shaping brand identity.
Mehcad Brooks
Mehcad Brooks, known for his role in the hit TV series True Blood, collaborated with Calvin Klein for the X underwear range, showcasing not only the stylish and modern designs of the range but also his unique persona. The campaign was part of a broader initiative by Calvin Klein to showcase diverse talents from different regions, including Asia, Europe, and the USA.
Brooks’ involvement was significant for several reasons. His strong screen presence in True Blood translated effortlessly into the world of fashion, adding an edgy and charismatic element to the campaign. Furthermore, the shots prominently featured his tattoos, adding a personal touch and a sense of authenticity to the advertisements.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan, acclaimed actor, producer, and director, starred in Calvin Klein’s spring 2023 campaign, marking his debut with the iconic fashion brand. Renowned for his roles in Creed and Black Panther, Jordan brought his confident ambition and intense physical presence to the campaign, embodying the essence of Calvin Klein’s aesthetic.
Shot by the famous photographer duo Mert & Marcus, Jordan showcased Calvin Klein’s new 1996 line, an athletic and performance underwear collection perfect for working out and casual wear. The visuals in the campaign highlighted Jordan’s disciplined and muscled frame, reinforcing his commitment to his craft and physical fitness.
Odell Beckham Jr.
NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. brought his athletic prowess and style to Calvin Klein’s fall 2019 underwear campaign. Joining a lineup of celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid, Beckham Jr. was part of the #MYCALVINS IRL campaign, which aimed to show stars in more everyday, relatable settings, doing normal activities like watching television or dancing at home.
Beckham Jr.’s natural charm resonated with audiences, making him a standout in the campaign. The #MYCALVINS IRL campaign featuring Beckham Jr. underscored Calvin Klein’s ongoing commitment to showcasing various influential personalities. By featuring a top athlete known for his football performance and presence in the fashion world, Calvin Klein highlighted the multifaceted nature of its brand identity.
Omar Ayuso
Omar Ayuso, known for his role in the popular Netflix series Elite, has appeared in Calvin Klein’s advertising campaigns, notably the 2021 Pride campaign and a subsequent ad in 2022.
In 2021, Ayuso starred in Calvin Klein’s #ProudInMyCalvins campaign, celebrating Pride Month and the defining moments in the lives of queer and trans people. The campaign celebrated LGBTQ+ identity and featured Ayuso in Calvin Klein underwear, denim, and pieces from its Pride capsule collection.
Ayuso returned to Calvin Klein in 2022 for another campaign. This time, he was captured by photographer Alexandra Leese, showcasing Calvin Klein essentials in neutral and natural tones. The advertisement featured Ayuso in intimate photographs, dressed in contemporary must-haves from Calvin Klein, such as flesh-colored underwear.
Oscar Emboaba
In 2014, Brazilian soccer player Oscar Emboaba was selected to front a special Calvin Klein Underwear campaign targeting the Brazilian market. This ad marked Calvin Klein’s first dedicated Brazilian campaign for both Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear.
Emboaba, known for his dynamic play as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea FC, brought a unique blend of sportsmanship and style to the campaign, which was shot in London by photographer Daniel Jackson. This was a culturally resonant initiative, particularly for the Brazilian audience.
The campaign featured designs that showcased the Brazilian flag’s green, yellow, and blue colors, connecting the national pride with the global fashion brand. The campaign was strategically launched to coincide with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, capitalizing on the heightened national spirit and Oscar’s popularity as he played for the Brazilian National team.
Emboaba’s involvement in this campaign highlighted Calvin Klein’s ability to create region-specific, impactful advertisements. The campaign was extensively promoted across various high-impact platforms in Brazil, including outdoor executions, in-flight videos, and magazines, ensuring widespread visibility.
This strategic approach solidified Calvin Klein’s presence in the Brazilian market and demonstrated the brand’s commitment to engaging with different cultures and communities through tailored campaigns.
Romelu Lukaku
Belgian professional footballer Romelu Lukaku starred in Calvin Klein’s “Calvins or Nothing” underwear campaign, showcasing a powerful blend of athleticism and style. Known for his formidable presence on the football field, Lukaku transitioned seamlessly into the role of a fashion model.
Shot by photographer Gray Sorrenti, the campaign featured Lukaku in a series of simple yet striking black and white portraits. These images captured Lukaku’s muscular physique and confident demeanor, aligning perfectly with Calvin Klein’s signature style, deeply rooted in sensuality and minimalism.
Shawn Mendes
In 2019, Shawn Mendes, popularly known for his hit song Stitches, made a notable entry into the fashion world by joining Calvin Klein’s #mycalvins campaign. His involvement marked a significant moment for the brand’s relaunch, with Mendes featuring prominently in boxer brief styles.
This partnership was a strategic move for Calvin Klein, capitalizing on Mendes’ rising fame and strong connection with a younger, style-conscious audience. Mendes’ transition from a pop star to a Calvin Klein underwear model was met with enthusiasm, showcasing his versatility and appeal beyond the music industry.
The campaign, focusing on personal style and self-expression, resonated well with the target audience, highlighting the brand’s ongoing evolution and ability to stay relevant and appeal to new generations.
Son Heung-min
South Korean footballer Son Heung-min has made a striking entry into the fashion world as the brand ambassador for Calvin Klein Underwear. Known for his impressive skills as the South Korean national team captain and his role as a forward for Tottenham Hotspur, Heung-min’s transition into the fashion arena has been as dynamic as his presence on the soccer field.
In his campaigns for Calvin Klein, Heung-min brings a unique blend of athleticism and style. His relaxed yet confident demeanor in the campaign imagery perfectly encapsulates the Calvin Klein ethos of modern masculinity. The 2023 campaign saw him modeling the brand’s 1996 Micro Trunk, an iconic design that pays homage to Calvin Klein’s storied past.
Furthermore, in September 2023, Heung-min debuted a limited-edition capsule collection with Calvin Klein, featuring key pieces like hoodies, sweatshirts, and the brand’s iconic denim trucker jacket, many incorporating his symbolic number 7 into a new Calvin Klein logo.
Travis Fimmel
Before gaining fame for his role in Vikings, Travis Fimmel made a striking impression in the 2001 Calvin Klein Underwear campaign. This venture marked a significant early milestone in Fimmel’s career, showcasing his versatility as a model before becoming known for acting.
The 2001 campaign images, characterized by their bold and eye-catching aesthetic, were notable for their ability to command attention, reportedly even causing traffic disruptions. Fimmel’s appearance in this ad might surprise those familiar with his later, rugged look in Vikings, as he was featured without his now-signature facial hair.
This transformation from a clean-shaven model to a bearded actor highlights the diverse range of personas Fimmel has successfully portrayed. His role in the Calvin Klein campaign remains a memorable moment in the brand’s history, demonstrating the impact of using emerging talents in advertising.
This ad helped cement Fimmel’s place in the modeling industry and showcased Calvin Klein’s knack for identifying and elevating fresh faces.
Trevante Rhodes
In 2017, Calvin Klein made a notable move by featuring the cast of the critically acclaimed film Moonlight in their advertising campaign, including actor Trevante Rhodes. This collaboration was significant for several reasons. It marked a shift in Calvin Klein’s advertising strategy, focusing not just on models and athletes but also on actors from a groundbreaking film celebrated for its powerful storytelling and cultural impact.
Trevante Rhodes, known for his compelling performance in Moonlight, brought a sense of depth and authenticity to the campaign. He was photographed wearing cotton stretch hip briefs, emphasizing comfort and style, in line with Calvin Klein’s brand ethos.
This campaign was particularly impactful as it showcased diverse representations in fashion advertising, aligning with broader conversations about inclusivity and representation in the media.
The Legacy of Iconic Calvin Klein Models
The legacy of Calvin Klein underwear models, from Mark Wahlberg to Justin Bieber, has played a pivotal role in defining the fashion landscape. These campaigns, showcasing various types of underwear, have highlighted the brand’s innovative designs and underscored its influence in shaping cultural trends.
Each model’s unique contribution has reinforced Calvin Klein’s status as a trendsetter in underwear fashion, blending style, personality, and cultural impact in a way that continues to resonate and inspire.
