American fashion designer Calvin Klein stepped out alone in New York City this week, appearing gaunt and hunched over during a rare solo outing.
The famed designer, 83, is usually pictured alongside his younger boyfriend Kevin Baker, 37, but he was noticeably on his own as he walked down the street.
Klein dressed casually for the walk, wearing a pair of loose black jeans, a long-sleeved navy blue shirt, and black Nike sneakers. The A-list octogenarian appeared somewhat frail as he navigated the city pavement with his shoulders rounded.
The solo appearance marks a shift from his recent public outings. Klein was last seen with Baker last month leaving the historic Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. Prior to that California sighting, the couple were spotted leaving Gold's Gym in Venice together following a workout.
Fashion career and company sale
Throughout his career, Klein has maintained a private profile. He rarely gives interviews, and when he does agree to speak, he sticks strictly to discussing his extensive career and his world-famous fashion brand.
Klein launched his namesake fashion house in 1968 alongside his childhood friend and co-founder Barry Schwartz. The label grew from a modest coat business into a global empire that helped define modern American minimalism, transforming the apparel industry with its signature designer denim and provocative advertising campaigns.
In 2003, Klein and Schwartz sold Calvin Klein Inc. to clothing conglomerate PVH Corp. in a deal worth around $700 million. Klein pocketed $215 million from the acquisition and remained with the company for several more years as a consulting creative director.
Marriages and relationship with Kevin Baker
The designer has dated both men and women throughout his life. He was previously married twice, first to Jayne Centre Klein from 1964 until their divorce in 1974, and later to Kelly Rector from 1986 to 2006.
Following his split from Rector, Klein went on to date gay male adult film star Nick Gruber, who was 48 years his junior. The pair remained together for two years before parting ways in 2012, after which Klein eventually found romance with Baker.
Before meeting Klein, Baker established himself by modelling alongside his chiseled twin brother Joel. The Baker brothers gained attention for their collaborative work, which included partaking in a fully nude photoshoot together.
East Village book launch incident
The solo stroll comes after Klein and Baker raised eyebrows during a public appearance in New York's East Village last November. The couple stepped out together to celebrate the launch of a new book by Vogue photographer Steven Klein.
The evening took an unfortunate turn when Klein ran into trouble while entering The Brant Foundation art gallery, where the star-studded event was being held. The fashion mogul became confused by camera flashes at the entrance, causing him to stumble and become disoriented.
Klein muttered that he "wasn't expecting that" as he attempted to make his way up the steps to the front door. Seemingly unconcerned by the situation, Baker simply moved away and headed inside the building on his own.
With Baker inside, a security guard was left to guide Klein up two steps after the designer stumbled a second time outside the doorway.
