Calvin Klein Speaking Fee: $100,000 to $125,000

Calvin Richard Klein, born on November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, is a seminal figure in American fashion. Raised in a Jewish family, he was the middle child of three. His father, Leo, owned a family grocery store in Harlem, while his mother, Flore, was a homemaker who took great delight in visiting her divorced mother’s tailoring shop, helping to give shape to Klein’s love of clothes and design. Klein attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan and later studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After a brief hiatus, he returned to complete his degree. In 1962, he began his career as an apprentice designer, gaining experience in various New York City fashion houses. In 1968, with a $10,000 loan from his childhood friend Barry Schwartz, Klein founded Calvin Klein Ltd. His first collection, consisting of coats and dresses, was featured at Bonwit Teller, a prestigious department store in New York City. Klein's minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and understated elegance, quickly garnered attention. In 1974, he introduced his iconic denim line, which grossed $200,000 in its first week of sales. The brand expanded to include menswear, fragrances, accessories, and home goods, becoming a global fashion powerhouse. In 2003, Klein sold his company to Phillips-Van Heusen for approximately $730 million. Throughout his career, Klein received numerous accolades, including multiple Coty American Fashion Critics' Awards and an honorary doctorate from the Fashion Institute of Technology. He was also inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. Beyond his design work, Klein's advertising campaigns, often provocative and boundary-pushing, have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. His legacy continues through the Calvin Klein brand, now under the creative direction of Raf Simons. In his personal life, Klein has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and his journey to recovery. He has found fulfillment in various creative endeavors, including transforming his homes to reflect his minimalist design ethos. Klein's influence on fashion and marketing remains significant, and his work continues to inspire new generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.