Fashion icon Calvin Klein found himself in an awkward situation last week when the 83-year-old designer stumbled while entering a star-studded New York event with his much younger boyfriend, Kevin Baker.
An Unsteady Entrance
The incident occurred as the couple arrived at The Brant Foundation art gallery in New York's East Village to celebrate the launch of Vogue photographer Steven Klein's new book. Camera flashes at the entrance disoriented the octogenarian, causing him to stumble and become confused while attempting to navigate the steps.
Witnesses reported hearing Klein mutter "I wasn't expecting that" as he struggled to maintain his balance. What made the situation particularly noticeable was the reaction of his 36-year-old partner, model Kevin Baker, who appeared stone-faced and seemingly unconcerned by Klein's difficulties.
Online Reaction to Partner's Response
Security personnel eventually stepped in to guide Klein up the remaining steps, but not before the designer stumbled a second time. Meanwhile, Baker had already moved inside without appearing to offer assistance or even glance back at his struggling partner.
The scene, captured on video, quickly drew strong reactions on social media platforms. Many users expressed concern about Baker's apparent lack of interest in helping his older partner. One commenter wrote: "Damn, he ain't even help pops up the stairs," while another observed: "He's so rude for not helping him."
Another social media user offered a different perspective, suggesting: "I would imagine Calvin would hate it if his sexy young thang treated him like an invalid geriatric. Kevin is doing his job of being good looking arm candy."
A Decade-Long Relationship
The couple have been together for nearly a decade, with their relationship first becoming public in 2016. They made their first official appearance together at the American Ballet Theatre 2016 Fall Gala, though they had been spotted together earlier that same year at the Mint Luxury Conference in Mumbai, India.
Klein's relationship history includes two marriages: to textile designer Jayne Centre Klein from 1964 to 1974, and to his former assistant Kelly Rector from 1986 until their divorce in 2006. Interestingly, Klein made a rare public appearance with ex-wife Kelly earlier this year, nearly two decades after their divorce.
From his legendary days frequenting Studio 54 to his current lower-profile life in Los Angeles with Baker, Klein's life has always attracted public attention. The 46-year age gap between him and Baker continues to be a topic of discussion, particularly following incidents like last week's stumble that highlight their generational differences.
