Episode summary
Calvin Klein Is Missing Its Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Moment | Bloomberg Businessweek
Bloomberg Businessweek Daily
· · 8 min · Hosts: Carol Massar, Tim Stenovec · Guests: Dina Katgara
Summary
The segment argues that FX and Hulu’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette has revived demand for the minimalist 1990s Carolyn Bessette Kennedy look, but Calvin Klein is not meeting that demand in its current assortment. Search interest for “Calvin Klein 90s” jumped on Google Trends after the premiere, and shoppers looking for sleek black, beige, and gray basics instead found more contemporary items like windbreakers, purple color-block pieces, fleece joggers, and graphic tees.
Dina Katgara says the disconnect reflects a broader branding problem at PVH-owned Calvin Klein, which is trying to reposition itself as a premium label but has leaned into a 1970s- and 1980s-inspired collection rather than the 1990s aesthetic associated with CBK and the show. The hosts note that Calvin Klein was deeply intertwined with that era’s fashion culture, but today’s shoppers are often going to resale platforms like The RealReal to get the look.
The discussion also points to brands that did capitalize on the moment, including Bigelow Apothecary in Manhattan, where sales of hair accessories tied to Carolyn Bessette’s style have surged. The broader point is that pop culture can quickly reshape fashion demand, and Calvin Klein may have missed a timely merchandising opportunity.
Key takeaways
- Dina Katgara says Google Trends searches for “Calvin Klein 90s” surged after the show premiered, showing immediate consumer interest in the 1990s aesthetic.
- Katgara says shoppers found Calvin Klein’s current assortment too focused on windbreakers and other modern items, not the clean CBK look they wanted.
- PVH owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and Katgara says the brands have been seeing stagnant sales.
- The hosts say Calvin Klein returned to the runway after six years, but its collection leaned 1970s and 1980s instead of the 1990s.
- Bigelow Apothecary reportedly saw the most sales of hair accessories in its 1880-year history as viewers tried to copy the look.
Notable quotes
“Searches for Calvin Klein 90s shut up on Google Trends and The Real Real saw searches for Calvin Klein spike after the premiere of the series”
“they encountered windbreakers, purples, color block windbreakers, and things that really didn't they felt match up with what they were searching for in the show”
“Calvin Klein's trying to become more of a premium brand again, but they're kind of missing the mark”
“They they came back to the runway after six years, but their their collection was kind of 70s and 80s, not kind of missing that 90s mark”
“girls going there don't want to wear Kate Moss. They want to like look like her, you know”
How the episode opens
Bloomberg Audio Studios, podcasts, radio, news. — You're listening to Bloomberg Business Week with Carol Masser and Tim Stenc on Bloomberg Radio. — Well, it is all over social media. I feel like we're saying that about a lot of stuff today.
That's what we do in the four o'clock hour. — Yeah. Uh, tons of stories written about the FX and Hulu limited streaming series. It's called Love Story. John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn bet. Audiences have streamed around 25 million hours of the series as of March 4th, according to a spokesman for FX and Hulu. And that does include me and our producer Talia. And yeah, probably a lot more in the newsroom.
Count's office, please hold. — John F. Kennedy Jr. is considered America's most eligible bachelor. — Johnny, — John, I want to introduce you to Carolyn bet. — Carolyn, this is John Kennedy. — Yes, indeed. Yes, it is JFK Jr. Well, an actor at least playing him. Um, for those who are listening on radio, it's just the trailer from, as we said, uh, Love Story. Um, it is an FX and Hulu limited series. Uh, and I got to say that as a result of this, first of all, I have read so much stuff on social media, so many articles. You know,
Your algorithm is a lot different than mine. — What? — Your algorithm is a lot different than mine. — But it's about the fact — Because this is the only thing I've read on — Is this Bloomberg News story. — This is called Yin and Yang, Mars and Venus. Uh if you go I let's just listen let me put this out there. Searches for Calvin Klein 90s shut up on Google Trends and The Real Real saw searches for Calvin Klein spike after the premiere of the series.
From the episode’s captions: roughly the first two minutes, lightly cleaned. Keep watching on YouTube →
Topics
- consumer fashion trends
- retail strategy
- google search data
- earnings outlook
- apparel brand ownership
Companies and tickers mentioned
- GOOGL
- GOOG
- PVH
- PVH Corp.
- Calvin Klein
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Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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