Meet ck2, Calvin Klein’s New Gender-Free Fragrance

ck2 is the latest addition to the Calvin Klein fragrance world. (Photo: Calvin Klein)

In 1994, no campaign made a bigger impact on my teenage friends and I than the black and white ads for ck one — the world’s first unisex fragrance. (Nowadays you may not think twice about a gender-neutral scent, but back then it was groundbreaking and a hot topic of discussion.) Housed in a minimal bottle and designed to be splashed on, the clean notes of bergamot, hedione high cis, musk, and green tea made ck one popular amongst both women and men. The scent and the edgy campaign starring Kate Moss, Stella Tenant, and Jenny Shimizu celebrated self-expression, individuality, unity, and sexuality. And I wanted what they were selling.

Calvin Klein ruled the ‘90s fragrance world (my mom wore Eternity and my dad wore Obsession), and while I dabbled with many scents over the years, ck one always had a place in my heart — and occasionally on my vanity. So when I learned that the latest addition to the Calvin Klein fragrance house was called ck2, I had to get my hands on a bottle immediately.

ck one was the world’s first unisex fragrance, a trend that’s more prevalent than ever, 22 years later. (Photo: Calvin Klein)

Where ck one was referred to as a unisex and “shared” scent, ck2 is a gender-free fragrance. Everything from the campaign to the clever, clear two-piece bottle (it fits together in a variety of ways), ck2 celebrates duos. From friends to siblings to relationships, ck2 is about special connections that exist without prejudice and don’t need to be defined. Because labels are seriously overrated. Or, as the campaign says, “no 2 connections are the same. no one connection is forever. experience the thrill of life. ck2 a scent for #the2ofus.”

The scent itself is dual-faceted, as well, creating a new category of urban woody freshness. juxtaposing a gritty, urban environment (think wet cobblestones and concrete) with electric energy (wasabi) and warmth (sandalwood).

ck2 is a new gender-free fragrance. (Photo: Calvin Klein)

Of course, let’s not forget the importance of the campaign. Shot by photographer Ryan McGinley, the ads perfectly encapsulate the passion and spontaneity of youth — and ck2, of course. The ads feature a variety of up-and-comers like 18-year-old model, stylist, and Kanye muse Luka Sabbat, Brazilian rapper and dancer Victoria “Vickatrillion” Brito, and fraternal twin models Kelsey and Baylee Soles who have walked the runway for Saint Laurent and Miu Miu and been featured in a Lanvin campaign together. They all had fun shooting the campaign together.

“Everyone was just laughing on set and having a really good time, and we were all yelling and being rowdy, so it was such a great moment to be a part of,” says Baylee. (Photo: Calvin Klein)

Even though the twins were born in 1995, they say the original ck one ads from 1994 made a lasting impression. “I remember the old campaigns for sure,” says Kelsey. “They are so iconic though and have always struck me as being really grunge and rock and roll. I loved the black and white photos and how everyone in them just looked so cool. It’s amazing how that campaign still looks so fresh and current today. Calvin Klein is so classic, so they have managed to continue to be relevant even 20+ years later. In contrast, the new ck2 campaign is more youthful and carefree, with bright colors and tons of emotions. I think it really reflects the spirit of this generation in the same way that ck one did when it came out.” Her twin Baylee agrees. “I think this campaign really emphasizes adventure and the thrill of life. It makes you want to go out and do things.”

If one of those things is picking up a bottle of ck2, the scent ranges in price from $20 for a pocket spray (available exclusively at Macy’s) to a 3.4 oz eau de toilette for $75. Scoop it up starting today and check out the new commercial below.

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