Jeremy Allen White, Calvin Klein
Jeremy Allen White for Calvin Klein. Image: Mert Alas

Jeremy Allen White has come full circle as a New Yorker: the local Brooklynite, who as kid would head into lower Manhattan, surrounded by the massive billboards, now has his own as the newest face of Calvin Klein.

Shot by Mert Alas, the new campaign captures White as he wonders through the cityscape of New York in an homage to his hometown. The entire shoot is something of an art imitating life scenario considering White is regularly snapped sans-shirt as he runs through the streets of insert city name here. A nice touch of realism.

But the timing of the whole thing is the icing on the cake. If you take a retrospective look at the genealogy of the Calvin Klein family tree, the brand has consistently crafted relationships with stars a) on the verge of becoming huge (Jacob Elordi, Jamie Dornan, Travis Fimmel and Djimon Hounsou) or b) already a phenomenon (Justin Bieber and David Beckham). All the way back to 1992, when Mark Wahlberg famously dropped his denim on the runway to reveal his simple white boxers.

Jeremy Allen White, Calvin Klein
Image: Mert Alas

White, has already confirmed himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation with awards for his role in the hit series The Bear, is set for a huge year. The Iron Claw, which also stars Zac Efron, is set to be one of the biggest film releases of 2024 (not to mention The Bear’s anticipated third season).

In many ways, Calvin Klein is the weathervane for a cultural shift. You know an actor’s about to enter a new stratosphere in their career when they’re tapped to become the face of the most famous underwear in the world. It’s the male equivalent of a coveted beauty campaign for actresses.

Jeremy Allen White, Calvin Klein
Image: Mert Alas

But to the purpose of the campaign…

Calvin Klein’s Spring 2024 collection breathes new life into their classic designs. The line refreshes the brand’s legacy with innovative logo treatments and advanced materials, tailored for the modern man’s quest for stylish, everyday comfort. The range includes the new Intense Power, Micro Stretch, and Micro Mesh styles, which are a testament to Calvin Klein’s commitment to combining bold aesthetics with functional innovation. These styles promise not just a sleek look but also unparalleled comfort, aligning with the brand’s foundational pieces like the Modern Cotton and Cotton Stretch underwear.

Image: Mert Alas