Ck One

In 1994 Calvin Klein launched Ck One, a unisex fragrance that embodied the raw, youthful androgyny of the early '90s. Seventeen years later, Calvin Klein re-launched Ck One as a lifestyle brand, expanding the line to include underwear and jeans as well as the iconic fragrance. CK recognized they had to once again create a campaign that was both culturally relevant and groundbreaking and meaningful for the super-connected youth of 2011.

The brand engaged Steven Meisel, the famous American photographer from the first campaign, to shoot 26 cast members over four days in a New York City studio. The resulting footage was a celebration of unity; despite differing backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences, we all share commonalities.

Calvin Klein turned to Code and Theory to evolve its creative vision into a digital experience across multiple channels that would be highly participatory and socially relevant for people 8–25 years old around the world.

The result was one of Calvin Klein’s biggest marketing campaigns to date:

Online ads, primarily consisting of video footage from that campaign, tempted users to like CK on Facebook in order to reveal more content.

A custom Facebook tab displayed branded content from the campaign and encouraged users to submit their own content.

Mobile apps allowed users to scan billboards and print ads to unlock hidden footage and bring static images to life.

A website displayed branded content, showcased products, and recorded user-generated content in 11 languages.

Digital content at Ck One events around the world prompted event-goers to record their own content and created a live, branded environment.

Overall, the digital campaign channels combined to create a single experience where content was seamlessly created and displayed across the website, live events, Facebook page, and mobile devices. The resulting campaign was relevant, responsive, and reflective of a generation that doesn’t want to be talked at by brands but wants to collaborate and create the conversation.