Tate McRae Fronts Calvin Klein’s Fall 2026 Denim Campaign
Calvin Klein has announced that Canadian singer Tate McRae will be the face of its fall 2026 Feel the Fit denim campaign. The campaign, directed by Carlijn Jacobs, features McRae in a pair of High Rise Loose Jeans, performing a choreographed dance that the brand says nods to its signature ’90s aesthetic.
In a behind-the-scenes clip, McRae expressed her enthusiasm: “I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.” She added in a statement, “I’ve always been a fan of Calvin Klein jeans. Every style has its own personality, but they all give you that same undeniable confidence. This campaign is about that moment when you put on your favorite pair of jeans, and everything just clicks. I loved being able to move, dance and bring my own energy to every look.”
The campaign’s visual direction is complemented by a soundtrack featuring Deee-Lite’s 1990 classic “Groove Is in the Heart,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. David Savman, global brand president at Calvin Klein, commented, “Denim has always been at the heart of Calvin Klein, shaping our distinct point of view on confidence, sensuality and self-expression. Defined by iconic design codes, superior fit and seductive styling, Calvin Klein jeans have long been worn by those who shape the moment, helping the brand become a defining force in denim. ‘Feel the Fit’ brings that legacy to life for a new generation in a way that feels unmistakably Calvin Klein and entirely current.”
The campaign launch includes three denim styles: the Low Rise Baggy Jean, the High Rise Loose Jean, and the 90s Straight. Calvin Klein has not yet announced additional ambassadors for the season, stating that other global stars will follow later in the fall.
Comparisons to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad
Tate McRae’s Calvin Klein campaign has drawn comparisons to Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle jeans advertisement from earlier this year. The 23-year-old’s racy new campaign features sultry poses, energetic choreography, and revealing styling, with fans quickly spotting similarities to Sweeney’s ad. Sweeney, 28, appeared in baggy denim in a campaign built around the line “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” which sparked criticism from those who argued it promoted Western beauty standards. Sweeney later said she was “surprised by the reaction” and didn’t support “those views.”
The comparison is not new to the denim space. Last year, KATSEYE’s viral GAP “Better in Denim” campaign was also widely linked to Sweeney’s ad. Now, McRae’s Calvin Klein collaboration has renewed that conversation.
In the campaign’s promotional clips, McRae is shown performing choreography to fast-paced music, rolling across the floor, and twirling her long blonde hair. A second clip features her in a dressing room, dancing and strutting while trying on the jeans. Captions on Calvin Klein’s social media posts read, “Feel the Fit. @tatemcrae in jeans that fit just right. confidence comes naturally in denim icons,” and “The right jeans change everything. @tatemcrae feels the fit in the High Rise Loose Jean.”
Context and Public Reaction
The campaign has sparked public discussion, with many noting the similarities between McRae’s and Sweeney’s ads. The debate over Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign highlighted broader conversations about beauty standards in advertising. McRae’s campaign, while not explicitly addressing those concerns, has nonetheless reignited the same discourse within the fashion and entertainment communities.
As Calvin Klein positions McRae as the face of its denim line, the brand continues its tradition of enlisting high-profile celebrities, following in the footsteps of Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Kate Moss. The campaign is slated to roll out more broadly in the coming weeks, with additional ambassadors to be revealed later in the fall.