Kevin Carrigan

Kevin Carrigan

Kevin Carrigan, an Englishman, is the creative director of the ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein (white label) brands and their related licensed products. Carrigan has been with Calvin Klein since 1998. He  joined Calvin Klein, Inc. as Design Director – ‘ck’ women’s after having worked at Nicole Farhi and Max Mara in London. In 2002, he was promoted to Design Director – ‘cK’ Men’s and Women’s.

Carrigan graduated Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication with a Bachelor degree of Arts and The Royal College of Art and Design in London with Masters degree of Art in Fashion Design.

Over the past 20 years Carrigan’s design philosophy has been based on the idea of modern clothes with an appreciation of form, function, and beauty. He refers to his design philosophy and inspiration as a mood and or emotion which could be a word or pure thought, that transforms a two dimensional sketch into a three dimensional garment. He tends to focus on designing pieces that are current and relevant, while creating a balance between designs that are functional and beautiful.

Everything from jeans to umbrellas to the newly-launched ck beauty line falls under Carrigan’s remit. "What I do is work on fitting pieces into the design puzzle. And actually, it is quite a logical, scientific process”- says Carrigan. "I don’t want to do crazy colours. We are selling what is inherently Calvin Klein in its minimal, architectural clothes. I like to be steeped in classicism and yet subvert it in a subtle way – in the fabric, in a shirt-length that is just right."

For now, his collections for the brand revolve around "technology": from the way men’s obsession with gadgets have spurred a new market for accessories – a growing segment for the company – like iPad cases, to fabrics for suits "that you pack easily and don’t have to worry about steaming when you’re off the plane".

Predictably, the fashion group has embraced all forms of digital media. From live streaming fashion shows to a prerequisite presence on social media channels. Carrigan, however, admits to not having Twitter and Facebook accounts "because of my profile. I am a little private that way." However, he extols the conveniences of gadgets like the iPhone and the fashion opportunities they present, suggesting that the ck Calvin Klein iPad case could double as an evening clutch for women.

Text Courtesy in parts of: Explore.CalvinKlein.com, BusinessTimes.com.sg

Below Kevin Carrigan Collection