Kelly Klein, ex-wife of Calvin Klein, has built her own creative life years after her divorce from the iconic designer.
Kelly, born Kelly Rector, met Calvin Klein early in her fashion career after studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
According to Vanity Fair, she first worked at Ralph Lauren before Calvin offered her a job as an assistant designer after meeting her at Studio 54.
The two married in Rome in 1986 and were together for 20 years, although separated for about half of that time. Their divorce was finalized in 2006.
Reflecting on their relationship, Kelly told Vanity Fair in 2008, “My whole life changed with Calvin,” she recalled.
“He walked into the room and it was like the lights turned on. The movie started every day. I was so much more special when he walked into the room.”
Former employee John Calcagno also told Vanity Fair, “It was like magic. He fell in love with her and she fell in love with him. They didn’t care who was around. They showed it off, kissed and held each other and had fun and cuddled.”
Today, Kelly focuses on photography, ceramics and interior design.
Her work has appeared in major publications and she splits her time between Palm Beach and the Hamptons while raising her son Lukas.
