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Donna Karan
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Donna Karan
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Donna Karan (/ˈkærən/ KARR-ən; born Donna Ivy Faske), also known as DK, is an American fashion designer and the creator of the Donna Karan New York and DKNY clothing labels.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Karan was born to mother Helen "Queenie" Faske (née Rabinowitz) and father Gabriel "Gabby" Faske (born Faskowitz[1]) in the Forest Hills neighborhood of the Borough of Queens, New York City.[citation needed] Her family is Jewish.[2][3] Karan's mother had been a model and had also worked in designer Chester Weinberg's showroom. Her father was a tailor and haberdasher who died when Donna was three years old.[1]

Karan and her older sister Gail were raised by their mother in Woodmere, in the Five Towns region of Nassau County, New York.[4][5][6] At high school, Karan passed much of her time in the art department.[7] She graduated from Hewlett High School in 1966,[8] and then went to the Parsons School of Design.[9]

Career

[edit]
An ensemble Karan designed in 1985-86 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

After leaving college, Karan worked for Anne Klein,[10] eventually becoming head of the Anne Klein design-team, where she remained until 1984, when she launched her Donna Karan label.

Sasha Pivovarova in DKNY by Donna Karan

Karan began her career as an assistant designer with Anne Klein in the late 1960s, where she was promoted to associate designer in 1971. As Klein's assistant, Karan was a participant in The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show on November 28, 1973. When Klein herself died in 1974, Takihyo Corporation of Japan became the new owner and Karan, together with her former classmate and friend Louis Dell'Olio, became head designer of the house. In 1984, Karan left Anne Klein and, together with her then husband Stephan Weiss and Takihyo Corporation, started her own business "to design modern clothes for modern people". She showed her first women's clothing collection in 1985.[11]

Karan became well known for her 'Essentials' line, initially offering seven easy pieces centered around the bodysuit which could all be mixed and matched, and created a fully integrated wardrobe with her First Collection in 1985. Karan always insisted that she would design only clothes like jersey dresses and opaque Lycra tights that she would wear herself.[11]

In 1988, Karan, nicknamed The Queen Of Seventh Avenue,[12] extended her women's 'Donna Karan New York' line by creating a less expensive clothing line for younger women, called DKNY. Two years later, she created DKNY Jeans, a denim-inspired collection. DKNY for men was launched in 1992, one year after the 'Signature' line for men had been presented.[13] In 1992, Karan also released her "cold shoulder" dress, a jersey long-sleeved dress which featured deep cutouts at the shoulders to reveal the skin beneath.[14]

Karan left her CEO position in 1997, but continued as chairwoman and designer for the Donna Karan line. After 2002, Karan's designer contributions became less and less.[15] In August 2008, Karan relaunched her discontinued fragrance lines from the 1990s.[citation needed]

DKNY Spring 2012

In 2015, Donna Karan announced that she would be stepping down as head of her eponymous company to focus on her lifestyle brand, Urban Zen, established by Karan in 2007.[16][17]

Awards

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1976, Donna Faske married Mark Karan, with whom she had a daughter. They divorced in 1978. In 1983, she married artist Stephan Weiss, who would later become co-CEO of the Donna Karan company. Weiss died of lung cancer in 2001.[24]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Marzlock, Ron (December 26, 2019). "DKNY founder Donna Karan's life in Kew Gardens". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  2. ^ Johanna Neuman (July–August 2009). "From Ghetto to Glamour, How American Jews Toppled Paris Couture and Redesigned the Fashion Industry". Moment. Retrieved November 4, 2022 – via johannaneuman.com.
  3. ^ Hyman & Moore (1997, pp. 26)
  4. ^ Hyde, Nina (May 31, 1985). "Fashion". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  5. ^ Armstrong, Lisa (March 2, 2013). "Donna Karan's creative flow". Fashion. Daily Telegraph. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  6. ^ Lada, Diana (March 1, 2009). "Donna Karan". Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  7. ^ "Donna, Karan." Current Biography Yearbook 1990. The H.W. Wilson Company. 1990. p. 352.
  8. ^ "1966 Hewlett High School Yearbook". classmates.com. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  9. ^ "ALUMNI LIST". The New School. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  10. ^ "Donna Karan Biography". biography.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  11. ^ a b Nikas, Joanna (June 4, 2014). "Donna Karan: Milestones". The New York Times. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  12. ^ "Designing Woman Donna Karan". CBS News. CBS Interactive Inc. May 4, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  13. ^ "Donna Karan International Annual Report 2000" (TXT). Sec.gov. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  14. ^ Tuite, Rebecca (2016). "Defining Designs". National Women's History Museum.
  15. ^ "Donna Karan's New Vision". Nymag.com. August 23, 2004. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  16. ^ Friedman, Vanessa; Bernstein, Jacob (June 30, 2015). "Donna Karan Steps Down, in Major Shift for Fashion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  17. ^ "Donna Karan's Zen Comeback". The Wall Street Journal. November 2, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  18. ^ Duka, John (May 27, 1982). "KARAN AND DELL'OLIO VOTED INTO COTY HALL OF FAME". The New York Times. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  19. ^ a b Karan, Donna (October 13, 2015). My Journey. Random House Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-101-88349-5.
  20. ^ "MARC JACOB, DONNA KARAN AMONG THOSE HONORED BY FASHION COUNCIL". Greensboro News and Record. November 24, 1992. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  21. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". American Academy of Achievement. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  22. ^ "The CFDA Awards: Designers on Display". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  23. ^ "CFDA". cfda.com. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  24. ^ "Stephen Weiss, husband and business advisor to Donna Karan, loses battle with cancer, aged 62". Vogue. UK. June 11, 2001. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2015.

General and cited references

[edit]
[edit]
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Donna Karan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Donna Karan (born Donna Ivy Faske; October 2, 1948) is an American designer renowned for creating the Donna Karan New York and brands, which introduced innovative, body-conscious women's clothing emphasizing comfort, simplicity, and versatility in the late . Born in , New York, to a tailor father and a mother who worked as a showroom model and sales representative, Karan grew up immersed in the world on , where she began designing clothes in high school. Karan's career began in 1968 when she joined Anne Klein as an assistant designer after briefly attending , quickly rising to associate designer by 1971 and head designer in 1974 following Klein's death. In 1984, she launched her own company, Donna Karan New York, debuting her first collection in 1985 with the groundbreaking —consisting of interchangeable items like bodysuits, skirts, and jackets—that became a blueprint for modern professional attire. She expanded the line with the more affordable diffusion brand in 1989, followed by DKNY Jeans in 1991 and men's collections, transforming the company into a global powerhouse with retail sales reaching $1.4 billion by 2004. Throughout her career, Karan received numerous accolades, including multiple Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Designer of the Year awards in 1985, 1990, and 1996, as well as the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, the CFDA Founder's Award in 2016, and the Fashion Group International’s Superstar Award in 2003, the first for an American designer. In 2001, acquired Donna Karan International for $243 million, though Karan continued leading creatively until stepping down in 2015 to focus on her Urban Zen, launched in 2007, which supports global wellness and artisan initiatives. The company was later sold to in 2016 for $650 million. Karan has also been active in , co-founding the Karan-Weiss Foundation in 1999 to support children's causes, , and the arts, and chairing fundraisers for research and AIDS awareness through the CFDA. As of 2025, the Donna Karan New York brand, under G-III ownership, continues to honor her legacy with campaigns celebrating its 40th anniversary, such as the Fall 2025 "Woman to Woman" collection featuring supermodels like and , emphasizing timeless femininity and sophisticated urban style.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Donna Karan was born Donna Ivy Faske on October 2, 1948, in , New York, into a Jewish family. Her father, Gabriel "Gabby" Faske (born Faskowitz), was a menswear who ran a custom tailoring shop in . Her mother, Helen "Queenie" Faske (née Rabinowitz), worked as a on Seventh Avenue and later as a salesperson in the fashion industry. Tragedy struck early in Karan's life when her father died in a accident on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway just after her third birthday. Her mother quickly remarried a man in the clothing business, and the family, including Karan's older sister Gail, relocated to Woodmere in the Five Towns area of , a prosperous Jewish enclave often called "the Jewish Greenwich." With her mother now the sole breadwinner and frequently absent due to work, young Karan experienced significant loneliness and domestic upheaval, which fostered her resilient and independent personality. Surrounded by the world from childhood through her parents' professions, Karan developed an early fascination with and . At age 14, she acted on this interest by lying about her age to land a job selling clothes at a local on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, , where she honed her eye for trends and customer preferences. This formative experience marked the beginning of her hands-on immersion in the industry, setting the stage for her future career.

Schooling and early career aspirations

Donna Karan graduated from on in 1966, where she had already shown an early interest in fashion by creating her first collection as a student project. Motivated by her family's involvement in the garment industry—her mother as a model and her stepfather as a —Karan enrolled at the in shortly after high school, pursuing studies in . She attended for approximately two years, completing her sophomore year, during which she focused on developing her design skills. In 1968, while still a student at Parsons, Karan secured a summer internship at the Anne Klein Company through a recommendation from her mother's employer, marking her entry into professional fashion work. There, she assisted with sketches and pattern-making, gaining hands-on experience in the Garment District. Following this internship, Karan left Parsons in 1969 to join Anne Klein full-time, prioritizing practical industry experience over completing her degree.

Professional career

Work at Anne Klein

Donna Karan joined Anne Klein & Company as a junior designer in 1968, securing the position during her second year at the through a summer that impressed the firm's founder with her sketching talent. Urged by Anne Klein to forgo completing her degree, Karan advanced rapidly, though she faced an initial setback when fired after nine months for struggling to match Klein's demanding schedule; she was rehired in 1970 after honing her skills elsewhere. Her innovative sketches and understanding of practical quickly established her as a key contributor, allowing her to collaborate closely with Klein on collections that emphasized versatile, body-conscious designs for modern women. In partnership with Anne Klein, Karan helped develop sportswear lines that introduced layered looks and form-fitting silhouettes, drawing on jersey fabrics to create comfortable yet sophisticated pieces suited to the active lifestyles of professional women in the late and early 1970s. These designs reflected Klein's pioneering approach to American , blending tailored elements with ease of movement, and Karan's input added a fresh perspective on inclusivity for diverse body types. Promoted to associate designer in 1971, Karan co-led the creative direction alongside emerging talents, solidifying the brand's reputation for innovative separates that transitioned seamlessly from office to evening. Following Anne Klein's death from cancer in 1974, Karan, then 25, was elevated to head , taking responsibility for the fall collection and steering the company through a pivotal transition. Working with co- Louis Dell'Olio, she revitalized the Anne Klein label in the 1970s by expanding its use of fabrics in wrapped skirts, bodysuits, and other versatile garments that emphasized fluidity and wearability, helping grow annual sales from $12 million to $100 million by 1984. Her leadership earned critical acclaim, including American Fashion Critics' Awards in 1977 and 1981, and induction into the Hall of Fame in 1982 alongside Dell'Olio. In 1982, Karan launched the Anne Klein II bridge line, bridging high-end aesthetics with more accessible pricing to broaden the brand's market reach. Karan departed Anne Klein in 1984 to launch her eponymous label, viewing the move as an opportunity to pursue her long-held vision for independent design while leaving the company in a strong position; she agreed to serve as a during the transition. Under her tenure, the firm had evolved into a cornerstone of American sportswear, with Karan's emphasis on practical, image-enhancing wardrobes for working women leaving a lasting imprint on the brand's legacy.

Launch of Donna Karan New York

In 1984, leveraging skills honed during her tenure at Anne Klein, Donna Karan co-founded the Donna Karan Company with her husband and business partner, sculptor Stephan Weiss, securing $3 million in startup capital from the Japanese apparel firm Takihyo Inc. in exchange for a 50 percent equity stake. The company debuted its first womenswear collection in fall 1985, marking Karan's transition to independent design entrepreneurship. The inaugural collection was showcased in New York and centered on the innovative "" concept, comprising a silk jersey bodysuit, wrap-and-tie , pants, tailored , suede wrap , camel hair coat, and an evening look intended for seamless mixing and layering. This approach revolutionized by prioritizing interchangeable essentials that addressed the practical needs of modern working women seeking effortless style. Karan's designs emphasized comfort and versatility through innovative use of soft, drapable fabrics such as and opaque Lycra, tailored to the demands of professional women's daily lives. The collection achieved immediate commercial success, with reporting nearly $2 million in first-year sales. By 1991, the brand expanded into menswear, further broadening its market reach while maintaining its core focus on functional, body-conscious apparel.

Creation and expansion of DKNY

In 1989, Donna Karan launched as an affordable extension of her core Donna Karan New York line, specifically targeting younger urban women seeking practical, versatile clothing inspired by the energy of . The brand debuted with casual basics like skirts, jumpsuits, turtlenecks, and multi-packs of T-shirts emblazoned with "DKNY," priced accessibly from $85 for essentials to around $700 for outerwear, emphasizing durability and fun over high-fashion pretension. The brand expanded rapidly into casualwear with the introduction of DKNY Jeans in 1991, a denim-focused line that incorporated activewear elements and broadened appeal to everyday consumers. This sub-line diversified the collection beyond tailored pieces, aligning with Karan's vision of adaptable wardrobes for modern life. By the early , DKNY accounted for nearly 80 percent of the company's total sales, underscoring its commercial dominance and role in driving revenue growth to approximately $275 million annually by 1992. Global expansion accelerated throughout the , with the opening of a flagship store in in 1994 and additional outposts in by the late decade, establishing 's international presence. Licensing agreements further fueled growth, extending the brand into accessories like (introduced in 1988) and fragrances, culminating in the 2004 launch of Be Delicious, a fresh, apple-infused scent that became a and emblem of the line's youthful vibe. DKNY solidified its cultural footprint in the 1990s New York fashion scene, embodying the city's fast-paced, multicultural ethos through designs worn by celebrities such as , who donned a signature backless to the 1997 Vogue Fashion Awards. The brand's urban edge and accessibility influenced and pop culture, positioning it as a staple for a new generation navigating work, play, and city life. The first flagship stores opened in the mid-to-late 1990s, including in in 1994 and at 655 in 1999.

Later developments and company transitions

In 2001, acquired a 42% stake in Donna Karan International after shareholders agreed to sell their shares to the luxury conglomerate. Later that year, completed its full acquisition of the company for a total value of approximately $643 million, including payments, assumed , and licensing rights. Under 's ownership, the brand expanded globally but faced challenges in maintaining profitability amid shifting market dynamics. In 2015, Donna Karan stepped down as chief designer of her namesake brand to devote more time to her lifestyle company, Urban Zen, while retaining an advisory role with Donna Karan International. That same year, she published her My Journey, which candidly explored her career milestones and personal struggles, including her childhood and relationships. In 2016, sold Donna Karan International to for $650 million, marking a significant transition in the brand's ownership and operations. Following her departure, Karan continued to contribute through advisory capacities and selective engagements with the brand. In 2025, she participated in the promotion of Donna Karan New York's Fall campaign, which featured models and among others, celebrating the label's 40th anniversary with a theme of female empowerment. That , she served as the guest of honor at the Glasswing International Gala, where the organization raised $1.6 million for youth programs in , the , and .

Design philosophy and contributions

Signature style elements

Donna Karan's signature style emphasizes body-skimming silhouettes designed for fluidity and ease of movement, drawing inspiration from dance leotards to create pieces like the iconic and that hug the form while allowing unrestricted motion. These elements debuted prominently in her 1985 collection of , which included the as a foundational layer paired with interchangeable items such as a and tailored . Central to her aesthetic is the innovative use of stretchy fabrics like and lycra (or blends), which provide comfort and adaptability for professional attire without sacrificing elegance or sensuality. This material choice enables the garments to contour to the body, promoting a sense of through clothing that supports the modern woman's active lifestyle. Karan's color palette revolves around versatile neutral tones—primarily black, gray, and white—with occasional bold accents to add depth, facilitating effortless layering that transitions seamlessly from day to evening. Her designs are thematically rooted in New York urban life, capturing the city's dynamic energy while celebrating and empowerment through practical, body-affirming pieces that blend sensuality with functionality. Integral to completing these outfits are accessories positioned as essential "easy pieces," including belts to cinch wrap styles, opaque stockings or for leg coverage, and totes for urban practicality, all enhancing the cohesive, mix-and-match system.

Innovations and impact on

In 1985, Donna Karan introduced the concept of the "Seven Easy Pieces," a foundational consisting of versatile, interchangeable items such as a , tailored , , pants, cashmere sweater, , and white shirt, designed to streamline dressing for the modern woman. This innovation emphasized mix-and-match essentials that could transition seamlessly from professional to casual settings, promoting efficiency and adaptability in daily life. By focusing on timeless basics rather than seasonal trends, Karan's approach challenged the excesses of 1980s and laid the groundwork for minimalist wardrobes that remain influential today. Karan pioneered collections tailored for women in the post-feminist , bridging the gap between formal suiting and everyday comfort to empower women in professional environments. Her designs, including wrap skirts and layered ensembles, allowed for feminine expression within structured , reflecting the era's shifting gender dynamics and the demands of balancing and . This practical yet elegant system addressed the needs of women navigating newly accessible corporate spaces, influencing how evolved to prioritize functionality without sacrificing style. Karan's influence extended to popularizing as outerwear, integrating them into her collections as foundational pieces alongside bodysuits to create fluid, body-conscious silhouettes that blurred lines between active and formal attire. Originating from her early emphasis on stretch fabrics for mobility, this approach inspired contemporaries to incorporate athletic elements into urban , reshaping perceptions of versatility in women's clothing. In the , she experimented with sustainable fabrics, such as Sasawashi—a linen-like material derived from paper and herbs—for pieces like knotted dresses, contributing to early industry efforts toward eco-conscious amid growing environmental . The launch of in 1989 further amplified Karan's cultural legacy by democratizing high fashion through affordable, youth-oriented staples like jeans and tailored jackets, making New York-inspired style accessible to a broader audience beyond elite clientele. This captured urban energy and empowerment, as seen in the 1992 "In Women We Trust" campaign, which portrayed women in positions of authority and resonated with diverse demographics. Karan's designs also dressed cultural icons, including , who wore a Donna Karan gown to her first state dinner in 1993, and , who frequently featured the label in public appearances, underscoring its role in symbolizing female power and visibility. In 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of Donna Karan New York, collections revived aesthetics through tonal dressing and heritage motifs, such as sleek bodysuits and wrap elements, influencing contemporary trends toward nostalgic and sustainable luxury. This resurgence highlights the enduring impact of Karan's foundational ideas, as evidenced by high-profile endorsements like Emma Stone's embrace of vintage pieces on red carpets.

Awards and honors

Fashion design awards

Donna Karan's innovative designs during her tenure at Anne Klein and the launch of her eponymous label earned her multiple American Fashion Critics Awards, the preeminent honor for American fashion designers at the time. In 1977, she and co-designer Louis Dell'Olio received the award for womenswear, recognizing their fresh approach to that blended functionality with elegance. They won again in 1982 for their continued contributions to womenswear. In 1984, Karan was inducted into the Hall of Fame, honoring her cumulative impact on American fashion. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) further acknowledged Karan's design prowess through its annual awards. In 1985, she was named Womenswear Designer of the Year for her debut Donna Karan New York collection, particularly the "Seven Easy Pieces" concept—a versatile capsule wardrobe including a bodysuit, skirt, jacket, and other essentials that revolutionized practical dressing for modern women. She received the same honor in 1990, celebrated for DKNY's urban appeal, which captured the energetic, street-smart style of New York City through accessible, youthful ready-to-wear. She won the Womenswear Designer of the Year award again in 1996. In 1992, Karan earned the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award, coinciding with the expansion of her lines into eyewear, shoes, and intimates that complemented her core collections. In 2003, Karan was awarded the Fashion Group International Superstar Award, the first American designer to receive it, specifically for her design innovations that bridged high fashion with everyday wear.

Lifetime achievements and other recognitions

In 2004, Donna Karan received the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her enduring contributions to the American fashion industry over decades of innovative and brand-building. This accolade built upon her earlier collection-specific honors, affirming her broader influence on contemporary womenswear and urban style. In 2016, Karan was presented with the CFDA Founders Award in Honor of , honoring her foundational role in shaping modern American fashion through pioneering labels like Donna Karan New York and . Karan's lifetime recognitions extend beyond fashion-specific bodies; in 1994, she received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement for her achievements in fashion design. In 2001, she was inducted into New York's Fashion Walk of Fame as part of the second class of honorees, celebrating her status as a key figure in the city's garment district legacy. Academic institutions have also acknowledged her impact, awarding her an honorary doctorate from in 2004 for her advancements in fashion education and industry practice. She received a similar honorary fellowship from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in 2007. More recently, in 2025, Karan was honored with the Humanitarian Award at Glasswing International's Eleventh Annual Gala, spotlighting the intersection of her design philosophy with philanthropic efforts to support youth mental health and community development.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Donna Karan married her first husband, Mark Karan, a owner, in 1973, and the couple had one , Gabrielle "Gabby" Karan de Felice, born in March 1974. They divorced in 1978 but remained on amicable terms. In 1983, Karan married sculptor and artist Stephan Weiss, whom she had met in the early 1970s and who became her longtime creative and . Weiss, who brought two children from a previous —son Weiss and daughter Lisa Weiss—into the family, provided essential emotional and professional support during the launch of her fashion label. The couple's close collaboration shaped Karan's early career, with Weiss contributing to design decisions and company strategy. Weiss died of on June 10, 2001, at the age of 62. Karan has described the profound impact of his loss, alongside the earlier death of her father, Gabby Faske, in an automobile accident when she was three years old, as forging her resilience and informing the empathetic, body-conscious elements of her design philosophy. In her family life, daughter Gabby has played an active role alongside Karan in the Urban Zen lifestyle brand, contributing to its creative direction and operations.

Philanthropy and later pursuits

In 2007, Donna Karan founded the Urban Zen Foundation, a dedicated to advancing holistic health, education, and the preservation of global cultures through integrative therapies and community support. The foundation's initiatives include the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) program, which combines Eastern practices such as , , and with Western to support patients and caregivers, particularly in medical settings. Following the , Urban Zen expanded its efforts to empower local artisans by providing sustainable economic opportunities through fair-trade collaborations, helping to rebuild communities while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Karan's philanthropic work has been deeply influenced by personal family losses, including the deaths of her husband Stephan Weiss from in 2001 and her mother from , motivating her advocacy for and awareness. She has been a longtime supporter of initiatives, co-chairing the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's event since 1993 to raise millions for and patient care. Additionally, Karan promotes through fashion via campaigns like "In Women We Trust," which highlight female strength and solidarity, and she advocates for environmental sustainability in apparel by integrating eco-friendly materials and ethical production in Urban Zen collections. In her later pursuits, Karan has emphasized and wellness as core elements of personal and communal healing, training practitioners through Urban Zen programs to bring these modalities into hospitals and schools worldwide. In 2025, she relaunched the "In Women We Trust" campaign on social media, featuring iconic women like and to celebrate female resilience and foster intergenerational solidarity amid ongoing global challenges. In 2017, Karan faced significant backlash for comments suggesting that women who present themselves with sensuality might be "asking for trouble" in the context of allegations against , a longtime associate; she subsequently apologized for her remarks. Reflecting on her life, Karan published the My Journey in 2015, offering insights into balancing a high-profile career with personal growth, spirituality, and philanthropy.

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  46. https://www.allure.com/story/donna-karan-leaves-company
  47. https://coveteur.com/2015/05/14/donna-karan/
  48. https://www.donnakaran.com/collections/bags
  49. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/gallery/archives-donna-karans-original-seven-easy-pieces-1236158785/
  50. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-12-05/sportswear-donna-karan-on-her-fashion-inspiration-in-the-1980s
  51. https://www.vogue.com/article/donna-karan-vintage
  52. https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2006-ready-to-wear/donna-karan
  53. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113892852429863921
  54. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/fashion/01fashion.html
  55. https://www.allure.com/story/donna-karan-dkny-moments
  56. https://fortune.com/2015/07/01/how-donna-karan-killed-the-power-suit/
  57. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/g422/dressing-hilary-clinton-loobook-0508/
  58. https://wwd.com/runway/fall-2025/new-york/donna-karan/review/
  59. https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/celebrity-style/emma-stone-gwyneth-paltrow-vintage-donna-karan-set/
  60. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1977/10/02/copping-the-cotys/e1b7cf7c-f2f3-4706-877f-4be2cb5d3e92/
  61. https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2015/10/13/donna-karan-how-she-turned-her-passion-into-a-career/
  62. https://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com/brand-story/dkny/awards-and-accolades.asp
  63. https://cfda.com/news/inside-the-2016-cfda-fashion-awards/
  64. https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/all-honorees/
  65. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/feature/article-1181729-1724531/
  66. https://glasswing.org/glasswing-international-honors-televisaunivision-and-donna-karan-and-raises-1-6-million-to-support-youth-at-eleventh-annual-gala/
  67. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/donna-karan-and-mark-karan-i
  68. https://www.familytreenow.com/records/people/id/geeknltoaaroppnotelo
  69. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/donna-karan-had-full-fledged-affair-with-stephan-weiss-while-married-20152210/
  70. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/11/arts/stephan-weiss-62-fashion-empire-s-other-half.html
  71. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/12/classified/paid-notice-deaths-weiss-stephan.html
  72. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-16-me-11170-story.html
  73. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/feature/donna-karan-memoir-my-journey-10255099/
  74. https://www.danspapers.com/2018/05/karans-urban-zen-merges-food-fashion/
  75. https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/conversation-with-donna-karan-designers-journey-from-fashion-to-philanthropy
  76. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/fashion-icon-donna-karan-launches-urban-zen-integrative-therapy
  77. https://www.iadb.org/en/news/haiti-design-development
  78. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2010/4/donna-karan
  79. https://www.donnakaran.com/pages/in-women-we-trust
  80. https://yogauonline.com/yoga-practice-teaching-tips/yoga-news/donna-karan-yoga-keeps-me-spiritually-centered/
  81. https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/donna-karan-women-2025-campaign/
  82. https://www.cnn.com/2017/10/10/entertainment/donna-karan-harvey-weinstein
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