Anne Klein was more than just a name in American fashion; she was a trailblazer who redefined how women dressed. Born Hannah Golofsky in 1923, Anne Klein made her mark on the fashion world early in her career, first as a sketcher for Seventh Avenue dress firms and later as a key figure in the creation of Junior Sophisticates, a line that catered to younger women with smaller figures. Her ability to anticipate and shape trends led to the creation of “separates,” a concept that revolutionized women’s wardrobes by offering versatile pieces that could be mixed and matched. This approach not only reflected the growing independence of women in the workforce but also cemented Klein’s reputation as a visionary in ready-to-wear fashion.

The establishment of Anne Klein & Company in 1968 marked the beginning of a new era for the designer and the American fashion industry. With Gunther Oppenheim as her business partner, Klein quickly expanded her brand, making it a household name. By the early 1970s, her designs were being sold in over 750 department stores and boutiques across the United States, a testament to her widespread appeal and business acumen. Her success was not just measured by sales but also by the numerous fashion awards she garnered throughout her career, including the prestigious Coty American Fashion Critics Award, which she won multiple times. Klein’s influence extended beyond the runway; she was a pioneering figure in American sportswear, alongside contemporaries like Bonnie Cashin and Claire McCardell, laying the foundation for modern, practical fashion.

Anne Klein’s legacy continued even after her untimely death from breast cancer in 1974. Her company, now under the ownership of WHP Global, has maintained her vision of creating stylish, accessible fashion for women. The brand’s evolution over the decades, marked by shifts in logo design and branding, reflects its adaptability and enduring relevance in the fashion world. Today, Anne Klein is not only a name synonymous with sophisticated, versatile clothing but also a brand that continues to resonate with women around the globe. Whether through its iconic lion’s head logo or its commitment to quality and design, Anne Klein remains a powerful symbol of American fashion innovation.

50 Years of Anne Klein Commercial

How to tell if Anne Klein is vintage from the logo

Anne Klein has been a prominent name in American fashion since the 1960s. The brand’s logos have evolved over the decades, reflecting shifts in design trends while maintaining a consistent identity. Recognizing the era of an Anne Klein piece can often be done by examining the logo. Below is a guide to help identify the vintage status of Anne Klein items based on the logos used throughout different periods.

1960s to now Anne Klein logo

• This logo features the iconic lion’s head, which is a key element in Anne Klein branding.
• The design is intricate and detailed, symbolizing strength and sophistication, aligning with the brand’s image.
• This logo has been in use since the brand’s inception and has become synonymous with Anne Klein.

1990s to now Anne Klein logo

• This era introduced a more streamlined and minimalist approach to the logo.
• The text “Anne Klein” is presented in a clean, serif font with “New York” often accompanying the brand name, emphasizing the brand’s roots.
• This logo style is simpler compared to the earlier lion’s head, focusing more on the brand name rather than the emblem.

2000s to now Anne Klein logo

• In the 2000s, the logo further simplified, using bold, sans-serif typography.
• This version of the logo often omits the “New York” addition, focusing solely on the brand name in large, bold letters.
• The simplicity and modernity of this logo reflect a more contemporary direction for the brand, making it easy to identify Anne Klein pieces from this era.

How to tell if Anne Klein is vintage from the tags

Anne Klein’s evolution as a brand is reflected in its garment tags, with different styles and designs marking various eras of fashion. Over the decades, the brand’s tags have shifted from simple text-based designs to more intricate and modern logos, often reflecting the changing trends in the fashion industry. By examining these tags, one can often pinpoint the era in which a particular garment was produced, making it easier to determine if an Anne Klein piece is vintage.

Need assistance with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1960s vintage Anne Klein tags

• Early tags are minimalist with simple text such as “Anne Klein” or “Classics by Anne Klein.
• The fonts used are elegant, typically in script or serif styles, reflecting the refined fashion of the time.
• Tags may include sub-brand information, such as “Anne Klein for Mallory,” indicating collaborations.

1970s vintage Anne Klein tags

• Tags often feature the iconic lion’s head logo, symbolizing the brand’s strength and sophistication.
• Text is usually bold and straightforward, often in serif fonts, with the lion’s head logo either next to or above the brand name.
• Some tags include additional branding such as “Anne Klein for Mallory,” indicating the brand’s continued collaborations and expansions.

1980s vintage Anne Klein tags

• The lion’s head logo continues to be prominent, often accompanied by the brand name in bold text.
• Tags frequently include sub-brand labels like “Anne Klein II” and “Anne Klein for new aspects,” indicating the expansion of the brand into different markets.
• The design of the tags begins to incorporate more modern elements, with cleaner lines and simplified typography.

1990s vintage Anne Klein tags

• Tags from this era often showcase a more refined lion’s head logo, with more intricate detailing.
• The “Anne Klein II” sub-brand remains prominent, often in bold, block letters with the lion’s head logo nearby.
• Typography is sleek, with an emphasis on modernity, reflecting the fashion trends of the 1990s.

2000s vintage Anne Klein tags

• Tags start to feature a more minimalist design, with simpler fonts and less emphasis on the lion’s head logo.
• The “AK Anne Klein” branding becomes more prevalent, marking a shift towards a more casual and accessible brand image.
• Tags often include country of origin details, reflecting the globalization of the fashion industry during this period.

2010s vintage Anne Klein tags

• Tags from this period continue with the minimalist trend, often using modern, sans-serif fonts.
• The lion’s head logo is either very simplified or omitted entirely in favor of a text-only design.
• AK Anne Klein” branding persists, indicating the brand’s continued focus on accessible fashion.