Retailers on Raf: A Bravura Take on Calvin Klein

Retailers seemed to be falling all over themselves right after Raf Simons sent his first Calvin Klein Collection down the runway on Friday.

Judging from the standing ovation, Simons gave the industry just what it needed — a spark — and what it wanted, a formula for refreshing the brand and a marriage of creativity with commercial viability. They saw the Calvin Klein DNA infused with Simons’ own modern, dramatic approach to American sportswear.