If you were taking in the fall 2023 collections during this past Fashion Month, you may have noticed one particular catwalk star missing in action during all of the shows: Kendall Jenner. While the model walked for labels such as Prada and Versace this season, Jenner wasn’t present in every single fashion capital. It may have to do with the fact that she was gearing up to launch a major new fashion campaign with Calvin Klein, out today.
Jenner is no new face to Calvin Klein, of course, She’s been working with the label for over a decade now. “We were reminiscing on set the other day—my first shoot with [Calvin Klein] was when I was 17,” Jenner tells Vogue. “That sense of family is really nice.” In her latest spring 2023 campaign, Jenner models Calvin’s new assortment of underwear and jeans alongside stars such as Michael B. Jordan, Jennie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and FKA Twigs; The images were shot by the legendary duo Mert & Marcus. “It’s giving a little ’90s vibe, which I always appreciate,” says Jenner of the shoot. “Working with Mert & Marcus is always really fun for me. With this campaign, I liked the idea of confidence and sensuality that came along with it.”
Inspired by her new campaign’s focus on classic wardrobe staples, Vogue caught up with Jenner to talk about some of her very own fashion-must haves. Below, Jenner dishes on what jeans, boots, and dresses she’s wearing this spring—as well as the two fashion trends she’d never consider wearing. (Well, never say never, Jenner says.)
Vogue: Congrats on the new campaign! What did you love about some of the pieces you wore in it?
Kendall Jenner: Everything was really ’90s inspired, which I’m just naturally drawn to. The classic bra and underwear that I had on—I literally sleep in that every night. There were also these ultra-high wide leg jeans that were very ’90s-inspired, and I actually wore them yesterday. They let me take a couple pairs home with me, because I love them so much. There’s nothing better than a well-fitted jean.
It seems fashion is always obsessed with bringing back the ’90s. Why is that era so captivating?
I feel like it’s just the timelessness of it. It’s just easy and cool. You could throw anything ’90s-inspired on and be comfortable and cool, and go about your day. Those jeans, for example, will never go out of style.
There’s a lot of debate right now around what jeans are in style—from skinny to baggy. What do you prefer?
It’s so dependent on my outfit and vibe. I love mid-rise, straight leg [style] that fits the butt really well. I love wearing boots, so I like tucking the boots under the jean, if that makes sense. Sometimes I like a little wide leg, too. I just tried on this super nice vintage pair—they’re bell bottoms and really cool. I feel like the bell bottom might be coming back.
Is there a jean style you’d never try?
I think I’m open to everything. It’s hard to say never, but right now, I’d say an ultra-ultra skinny jean is probably something you won’t catch me in anytime soon.
You mentioned being a boot lover too, so what kind of boots will you be wearing this spring?
On most days, I’m wearing a pretty skinny-tight, knee-high boot with a tiny little heel. Pointy, probably. I also have these riding-inspired boots that I wear all of the time. They’re so comfortable and I can wear them anywhere. I’m also into a loafer and a ballet flat.
So no sky-high heels, then.
For sure. If it’s a heel, it’s a tiny little lift. I’m wearing a lot of heeled boots, but they’re no more than 3 or 4 inches.
Is there anything else clothing-wise you’re really into experimenting with this spring?
I’m just excited for the weather to start warming up. I feel like I’ve been cold for a really long time now. I’m excited to put a dress back on. One of my favorite things ever is wearing dresses—whether they’re long, mid, or short. I just love being able to throw one thing on, and then the rest of my outfit is my shoes, bag, and jewelry. I love a big T-shirt dress, or a really simple tank top dress. It’s something you could wear a million times and not everybody would notice, because it’s so classic.
I feel like you’re so great at doing minimalism in a way that feels not boring. So, what’s your key styling tip?
It’s so much about fit and style. When it comes to really minimal or classic pieces, what stands out is when they fit really, really well, and they’re flattering. I could wear them a million times over with a million different outfits.
You’re a big vintage wearer, too. So are there any vintage items you’re looking to acquire this season?
I’m always looking. I love vintage shopping: I go with my friends at least once a week to a store, and we just go through everything. Right now, I’ve been pulling a lot of big leather jackets. A good vintage leather jacket is a wardrobe staple, and you can throw it over everything. Right now, I’m also looking at archive pieces from a lot of designers.
Lastly, we loved seeing you walk the runways at Prada and Versace this season. Was there anything you were inspired or excited by the shows at Fashion Month?
There’s so much I’m excited about. I saw a bunch of shows that I really loved. I’m on my Vogue Runway app constantly, just scrolling and screenshotting so much stuff. There were so many good coats [this season] that I was dying over.
How about a trend this season that you’re not so into?
It’s hard to say because, a month from now, my vibe could completely change. I’m not a neon lover—I don’t die for neon. Take this with a grain of salt, but cargo pants are also not my vibe. I love them on other people, but I can’t pull off a cargo pant like other people can!
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
