Klein was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to French parents and was raised in Paris, France.
[3] He studied architecture at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, and worked in an architect's practice in New York.
[1] He returned to Paris[1] and switched to studying fashion after seeing a Givenchy runway show;[4] he presented a prêt-à-porter collection in October 1987.
[7] Among those who have worn clothes designed by Klein are: Natalie Cole,[8] Paula Abdul,[9][unreliable source?]
Tara Reid,[10] Marissa Miller,[11] Dita von Teese,[12][unreliable source?]