The House of Klein: Fashion, Controversy, and a Business Obsession

by Lisa Marsh

A fashion world insider and journalist reveals the secret world of Calvin Klein
The House of Klein for the first time tells the inside story of the rise of a fashion legend and the mammoth empire he built. Calvin Klein is the world's most well-known (and successful) fashion designer and has created one of the most recognizable brands in existence, but the tale of his ascendancy to the top of the fashion industry has never been fully told. The House of Klein is the warts-and-all exposé of a boy from the Bronx who made his name synonymous with high fashion by making his brand synonymous with sex. This book offers an informed, insider's account of the defining moments of a fashion legend's life, a life circumscribed by personal and professional struggle. Fashion writer Lisa Marsh pulls no punches in presenting the true story of this mammoth of the clothing industry, complete with corporate battles, lawsuits, petty personal vendettas and backroom dealings. Marsh reveals the underbelly of the glittering world of high fashion-a world characterized not so much by beautiful people and wild parties, as it is by money and power, above all else. The House of Klein brings to life this compelling figure through the author's own research and interviews with the man himself, as well as with other figures in the industry-such as Isaac Mizrahi-who finally come clean about the man behind the brand.
Lisa Marsh (New York, NY) focused on the bottom line instead of the hemline while working at the New York Post covering the fashion and retail beat. A veteran of the fashion industry, she began her career in journalism writing financial news stories for the fashion industry bible Women's Wear Daily.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2003

Reviews

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never expected a "business biography" (the author's own words and definitely not said while looking over their should every third word, terrified of seeing high-powered attorneys with paperwork looming there) to be such a quick and easy read. Marsh created an excellent report about the rise of Clavin Klein's empire and why it matters. What I enjoyed best was learning about Klein's actions--specifically advertising--in the 90s and matching it with what I remember from my childhood memories. The study was also useful in comparing it to most people's understanding of celebrity designers and the mythos of the Self-Made Genius and how we the public are so forgiving when it comes to awful people because they're Genius(TM). Certainly a lot to think on.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book about the fashion industry. I learned a lot about the decisions behind choosing which demographics to go after etc. Also, the best-selling perfume Lauren by Ralph Lauren was actually first offered to Calvin Klein, but they passed-whoops!