Bulgarian model Lyudmil Dimitrov has marked a defining moment in his career, becoming the first Bulgarian male to walk the runway for Calvin Klein during New York Fashion Week.
The 24-year-old’s appearance at the brand’s show signals a breakthrough not only for Dimitrov personally but also for Bulgaria’s representation on the international fashion circuit.
The show took place at The Shed, located in Hudson Yards, one of Manhattan’s most modern cultural venues. Surrounded by global designers, stylists, and editors, Dimitrov stepped confidently onto one of fashion’s most influential stages.
Representing Sofia-based agency Yvette Fashion, Dimitrov has spent the past year collaborating closely with Calvin Klein. He previously featured in catalog shoots and advertising campaigns for the brand’s men’s collections, gradually building trust with casting directors.
His runway selection, however, carried extra weight. Dimitrov was among only ten male models worldwide chosen to walk in the women’s collection — a rare crossover that underscores the label’s evolving ideas about form, elegance, and the body.
Creative director Veronica Leoni described the collection as a tribute to the hedonistic elegance of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The designs emphasized intimacy, structure, and the pleasure of aesthetics, blending sensuality with minimalism.
Industry observers noted that Dimitrov’s presence aligned seamlessly with that vision. His tall, athletic silhouette and understated confidence complemented the house’s signature clean lines and refined tailoring, making him a natural fit for the brand’s aesthetic language.
The event drew an impressive guest list from fashion and entertainment. Front-row attendees included actress Dakota Johnson, model and icon Brooke Shields, and actress Lily Collins, alongside entrepreneur François Arnault and television personality Alexa Chung.
Renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti was also spotted at the show, highlighting the event’s creative prestige. Backstage, Dimitrov and his fellow models received congratulations from Anna Wintour, one of fashion’s most influential figures.
For Dimitrov, the milestone marks the culmination of years of steady work. Born and raised in Sofia, he was discovered on Vitosha Boulevard by booker Dian Dinev and has been developing his career with Yvette Fashion for six years.
Standing 187 centimeters tall, he quickly gained traction in European markets before expanding internationally. His portfolio now includes campaigns and collaborations with Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Jacquemus, and Bottega Veneta.
He has also worked with Iceberg, Diesel, Rag & Bone, and Bershka, reflecting a diverse mix of luxury and contemporary labels.
Beyond campaigns, Dimitrov has appeared in international editorials and magazine covers, steadily carving out a recognizable presence among casting directors and stylists. Those close to his career describe him as disciplined, adaptable, and focused — traits often required to navigate the highly competitive modeling world.
His network of agencies further demonstrates his global reach. Dimitrov is represented by VNY Models, Select Model Management, The Lab Models, and Fifth Models, among others across Europe and Australia.
Following his New York appearance, Dimitrov’s schedule remains packed, with confirmed engagements in Paris, Dallas, and the South of France. Each stop represents another step in consolidating his place in the international fashion landscape.
For Bulgaria’s modeling community, his success carries symbolic weight. Dimitrov’s runway debut proves that talent from smaller markets can break into global luxury houses, inspiring younger models at home to aim for the same heights.
As the lights dimmed at The Shed and the audience filtered out into Manhattan’s evening air, Dimitrov’s walk stood as more than just another show appearance. It marked the arrival of a Bulgarian face on one of fashion’s most coveted runways — and perhaps the beginning of many more milestones to come.