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Calvin Klein: Jeans Go High Fashion
12 Sep
Summary
- Calvin Klein first showcased jeans on the runway in 1976.
- Jeans evolved from miners' workwear to high-fashion by 1976.
- Early jeans featured copper rivets to prevent rips, patented in 1873.
In 1976, Calvin Klein revolutionized fashion history by presenting jeans on the runway, a groundbreaking move that elevated denim from utilitarian workwear to high fashion.
This marked a significant shift, as jeans, whose origins trace back to 19th-century twill cloth, were initially recognized as informal trousers by the early 1900s. The iconic blue jeans, patented in 1873 by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss, incorporated durable copper rivets, a feature still common today.
Over time, jeans incorporated belt loops in 1922 and zippers by 1954, with various brands emerging. The 1950s and '60s saw jeans gain a sexier image through popular culture, and by the 1970s, they were adopted by the feminist movement.
Klein's 1976 runway show featured jeans in casual and resort-ready styles, including a now-classic pairing with a white tank top. This collection solidified denim's place as an essential wardrobe item.
