Calvin Klein Dominates New York Fashion Week with Unprecedented Media Impact
Calvin Klein has emerged as the standout brand of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), achieving remarkable media impact value (MIV) according to preliminary data released by Launchmetrics. The report, unveiled on Friday, highlights Calvin Klein’s significant lead over competitors such as Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Cos, and Off-White, which rounded out the top five brands in terms of media exposure.
A New Era for Calvin Klein
The spotlight on Calvin Klein during NYFW was particularly pronounced with the unveiling of Veronica Leoni‘s second collaboration as the brand’s creative director. The show took place at the Brant Foundation gallery in downtown Manhattan on September 12, 2025. Leoni, who was appointed as creative director for the Collection in 2024, has been instrumental in revitalizing the brand’s image, steering it towards a more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining its classic roots.
Viral Moments and Celebrity Influence
Calvin Klein’s media impact was significantly bolstered by two viral moments on social media. The first involved K-pop sensation Jung Kook, whose appearance at the event generated an astonishing $825,000 in media exposure through a single post on the brand’s Instagram account. This highlights the growing influence of K-pop stars in the fashion industry, where their global fanbase can translate into substantial marketing value.
Actress Lily Collins, known for her role in the hit series “Emily in Paris,” also played a pivotal role in amplifying Calvin Klein’s presence on social media. Her gallery of photos from the event garnered an impressive $802,000 in MIV. Both Collins and Jung Kook have established strong ties with Calvin Klein; Jung Kook’s fall 2023 campaign for Calvin Klein Jeans previously earned the brand a staggering $13.4 million in MIV, while Collins starred in the label’s spring 2025 campaign.
The Power of Celebrity in Fashion
The influence of celebrities in the fashion world cannot be overstated. Thai actress Tipnaree Weerawatnodom, who attended the Cos fashion show on September 14, outshone all front-row guests by generating $1.7 million in MIV through her social media posts. This underscores the importance of celebrity endorsements and appearances in driving brand visibility and consumer engagement.
A Record-Breaking NYFW
The overall media impact generated by the spring 2026 edition of NYFW was remarkable, totaling $340.3 million in MIV. This proprietary metric, which quantifies the monetary value of marketing strategies across various platforms, reflects the event’s growing significance in the fashion calendar. The data was collected between September 9 and 18, and it is expected that the final figures will surpass initial estimates. For context, the spring 2025 edition of NYFW, held in September 2024, generated $323.3 million in MIV, indicating a healthy growth trajectory for the event.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Historically, NYFW has served as a critical platform for brands to showcase their latest collections and engage with consumers. The event has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changes in consumer behavior and the rise of digital marketing. The increasing importance of social media in shaping brand narratives and consumer perceptions is evident in the latest data, which reflects a shift towards more interactive and engaging marketing strategies.
As brands like Calvin Klein continue to leverage celebrity influence and social media engagement, the landscape of fashion marketing is likely to undergo further transformation. The ability to generate substantial MIV through strategic partnerships and viral moments will be crucial for brands aiming to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
Conclusion
Calvin Klein’s triumph at New York Fashion Week underscores the brand’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing fashion landscape. With a strong creative direction under Veronica Leoni and the backing of influential celebrities, Calvin Klein has not only captured the attention of the fashion world but has also set a benchmark for media impact in the industry. As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this year’s NYFW will undoubtedly shape the strategies of brands looking to make their mark in the future.
