Fashion icon Calvin Klein, now 83, created quite a buzz when he made an appearance with his significantly younger partner, 36-year-old model Kevin Baker, this past week.

The duo, who have been sharing their lives despite a 46-year age gap for nearly ten years, were spotted in New York’s East Village. They were there to mark the release of a new book by renowned Vogue photographer Steven Klein.

However, the evening took an unexpected turn for Klein as he approached The Brant Foundation art gallery, the venue for the star-studded event.

Upon arrival, the bright flashes from photographers’ cameras seemed to disorient the designer, causing him to stumble and appear momentarily confused.

Klein, taken aback by the unexpected flurry of lights, was overheard saying he “wasn’t expecting that” as he tried to navigate the steps leading to the entrance.

Fashion designer Calvin Klein, 83, suffered an awkward stumble while stepping out in New York with his much younger boyfriend Kevin Baker last week

Meanwhile, Baker appeared unfazed by the incident, maintaining a calm demeanor as he continued inside without offering a second glance at his partner.

Meanwhile, a security guard was left to guide Klein up two steps as the designer stumbled a second time. 

Daily Mail has contacted Klein for comment.

The clip drew a strong reaction online, with many social media users claiming that Kevin didn’t show enough interest in helping Klein.

‘Damn, he ain’t even help pops up the stairs,’ wrote one, while another commented, ‘He’s so rude for not helping him.’

‘I would imagine Calvin would hate it if his sexy young thang treated him like an invalid geriatric,’ wrote another. ‘Kevin is doing his job of being good looking arm candy.’ 

The couple have been dating since at least 2016, when they made their first official public appearance together at the American Ballet Theatre 2016 Fall Gala.

Prior to that they had been spotted together in March 2016 at the Mint Luxury Conference in Mumbai, India. 

The octogenarian became confused by camera flashes at the entrance, which caused him to stumble and become disoriented

Klein was previously married to wives Jayne Centre Klein (1964-1974) and Kelly Rector (1986-2006).

Back in February, Klein made a rare appearance with ex-wife Kelly almost 20 years after they divorced.

The designer and his former wife were seen walking into his show in New York City. 

‘Calvin was in a great mood and though he looked frail in the photos, he was quite spry at the event, he had a ton of energy, he is in good shape, and made sure he said hello to a lot of old friends,’ a source told Daily Mail at the time.

‘He is still close to Kelly, they have a lovely friendship and she is happy to be by his side for his big events, it thrills her.’ 

The couple, who have a 46-year age gap, are pictured dining out in West Hollywood in 2021

From 1964 until 1974 Klein was married to textile designer Jayne Center with whom he shares a daughter, TV producer Marci Klein.

In 1986 he married his assistant Kelly Rector who he was with until they divorced in 2006.

In his heyday, he frequented the famed Studio 54 nightclub and was photographed with some of the biggest stars of the era.

These days he rarely makes public appearances and seems to be content puttering around Los Angeles with his model beau Kevin.