You know that feeling when a celebrity partnership just... clicks? Like, it doesn't feel like a forced corporate handshake or a desperate attempt to stay relevant. That’s exactly what happened when Anthony Ramos stepped in front of the lens for Calvin Klein.
Honestly, the Anthony Ramos Calvin Klein campaign was more than just a guy in his underwear on a billboard in Soho. It was a vibe. It was a cultural pivot point for a kid from Bushwick who went from the stage of Hamilton to becoming a global face of American minimalism.
Even now, a few years removed from the initial "Blank Canvas" launch, people are still searching for those photos. Why? Because Ramos brought something human to a brand that sometimes feels a bit too "high fashion" to be reachable.
The "Blank Canvas" Era: What Actually Happened
Back in the spring of 2021, Calvin Klein dropped their "Blank Canvas" campaign. They didn't just pick one star; they assembled a literal Avengers squad of cool. We're talking Megan Thee Stallion, Jacob Elordi, Rina Sawayama, and, of course, Anthony Ramos.
The whole concept was about stripping things back. No flashy sets. No over-the-top styling. Just raw, black-and-white (and some color) intimacy captured by Mario Sorrenti.
Ramos wasn't just posing. He was talking about freedom. In the campaign film directed by Terence Nance, he riffed on this childhood memory of the "High Flyers Club"—a group of kids jumping off high things just to feel that split second of weightlessness. It felt real. It didn't sound like a script. It sounded like a guy reminiscing about Brooklyn while wearing a pair of classic white boxers and a denim jacket.
Why Anthony Ramos Was the Perfect Fit
Let's be real: Calvin Klein has a type. Historically, it's been the waifish 90s models or the ultra-shredded action stars. Ramos broke that mold in the best way possible.
- The Authenticity Factor: Ramos has this "guy next door" energy, but if the guy next door also happened to have a Golden Globe nomination and a killer singing voice.
- The New York Connection: CK is a quintessentially New York brand. Ramos is New York. Seeing him on a massive billboard in the city felt like a hometown hero win.
- The Style: He made the "essentials"—the white tees, the trucker jackets, the monogrammed briefs—look lived-in.
Usually, these campaigns feel like the clothes are wearing the person. With Anthony, it was the opposite. He looked like he’s actually spent a Sunday morning lounging in those exact clothes, probably writing music or hanging out with his dog.
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Beyond the Billboard: The Impact on His Career
If you look at the timeline, the Anthony Ramos Calvin Klein collab was a massive catalyst. Shortly after those photos hit, his fashion stock went through the roof.
He didn't just stop at CK. He became a favorite of Tommy Hilfiger, eventually co-designing a capsule collection with them in 2022. He hit the Met Gala in upcycled sailcloth. He became the face of Tumi. But the Calvin Klein campaign was the one that proved he could hold his own in the high-stakes world of "body-centric" advertising.
It shifted the narrative from "Anthony Ramos: The Broadway Guy" to "Anthony Ramos: The Global Icon."
Is He Still With Calvin Klein?
The short answer? Not officially in a "face of the brand" capacity right now. Fashion moves fast. Since that 2021 peak, CK has cycled through other massive names like Jeremy Allen White and Jung Kook.
But here’s the thing: once you're a "Calvin person," you’re kind of always a Calvin person. The images from that era are still used in retrospectives of the brand's best modern work. Ramos moved on to huge film projects like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Twisters, but that 2021 imagery remains his most viral fashion moment to date.
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People think these guys just show up, take a photo, and cash a check. Maybe some do. But with Ramos, it was clear he was part of the creative dialogue.
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He’s been vocal about how he struggled with his identity early in his career—being told to change his accent or "soften" his New York edge. The CK campaign did the opposite. It asked him to be exactly who he was. That’s why those photos don't feel dated. They feel timeless because they aren't chasing a trend; they’re capturing a person.
How to Channel the Ramos/CK Aesthetic
If you're looking to replicate that effortless, stripped-back look that Ramos made famous, you don't need a Mario Sorrenti photoshoot. It’s basically a masterclass in "less is more."
- Start with the Foundation: Invest in high-quality basics. A heavy-weight white cotton tee and well-fitting denim are the backbone.
- Focus on Fit, Not Flash: Ramos didn't wear anything loud. The "cool" came from the silhouette.
- Embrace the Scuffs: His look always feels a bit rugged. Don't be afraid of denim that looks like it's seen some miles.
- Confidence is the Accessory: The "Blank Canvas" vibe only works if you look comfortable in your own skin.
If you’re tracking Anthony's career now, keep an eye on his move into the hospitality space with his new Brooklyn bar, Milly’s. It’s a far cry from modeling underwear, but it’s just another layer of that authentic New York story he’s been telling since day one.
To see the original footage and photos that defined this era, check out the archives on the official Calvin Klein YouTube channel or search for the "Blank Canvas 2021" lookbook. It's a great reminder of what happens when a brand actually lets a creator's personality lead the way.