The Italian designer who brought Calvin Klein Collection back to the runway is stepping down after two years. Her successor will be named in due course.
Veronica Leoni is leaving Calvin Klein. The house confirmed on 15 October 2026 that the Italian designer is exiting as creative director of Calvin Klein Collection, its higher-end runway line, after four seasons. New creative leadership will be announced in due course.
“I want to thank Veronica for her creative vision, commitment, and partnership over the past two years,” said David Savman, Calvin Klein’s global brand president.
A runway revived
When Leoni was named creative director in May 2024, she took on two tasks at once. She was leading one of fashion’s best-known American houses, with house codes everyone recognises, and she was bringing back a runway presence that had been dormant since Raf Simons’s departure in 2018.
She was also the first woman to hold the role. Her debut, Fall/Winter 2025 at New York Fashion Week, marked Calvin Klein’s return to the runway.
“Reintroducing Collection was a significant milestone for Calvin Klein, and Veronica’s exceptional talent and fresh perspective on Calvin’s iconic design codes helped build meaningful momentum for Collection.”
— David Savman, Global Brand President, Calvin Klein
Sensuality, pared back
Over four shows, Leoni focused on a pared-back sensuality, reworking the familiar Calvin Klein codes of denim, underwear and sharp suiting. She balanced that sensuality with the pragmatism that defined the brand’s founder.
Her Spring/Summer 2027 collection, shown in September 2026, would be her last. It brought compact tailoring, cobalt blue fringe dresses and sheer slip skirts to the runway, worn by models including Alex Consani and Anok Yai.
Her minimalism also travelled beyond the runway. Jenna Ortega, Sadie Sink and Jennie have all worn her designs on the red carpet and on stage.
Before Calvin Klein
Leoni arrived with experience from some of fashion’s most exacting houses: Jil Sander, Moncler, The Row and Phoebe Philo’s Celine. In 2021 she founded her own label, Quira, which was nominated for the LVMH Prize two years later. Quira was put on pause when she joined Calvin Klein.
What comes next
Calvin Klein says Collection remains central to its plans. “Collection remains an important part of our brand; we are excited by the progress to date and look forward to its continued evolution,” said Savman.
Leoni has not yet announced her next move.
Credits: All images courtesy of H&M