Donna Karan Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer Donna Karan was born 1949, in Queens, New York. She grew up in Long Island with her step-father who was a tailor and her mother who was a model. Being trained at Parson's School of Design, she entered the busines herself, designing for Anne Klein. Eventually she became head of the Anne Klein design-team and remained in this position until 1984. In 1985, she left Anne Klein and founded her own company. At first she became known for her line of elastic bodies. Then word spread about her Essentials line, offering seven easy pieces every woman should have in her closet. The Essentials line became a success and the seven pieces were broadened to about 200 pieces today. The introduction of her DKNY collection in 1988 marks the beginning of a period of amazing growth of the company. Thought of as a bridge collection, DKNY has developed to be the pillar of the Donna Karan business. DKNY is a modern, moderately-priced young collection, drawing from the spirit of big city life. Donna Karan is known to support the needs of modern women with her clothing. When designing her clothes, Donna Karan claims not have the top model in mind, but women like herself. The saying goes, that before the production of a piece of clothes is approved by Karan, it has to look good

on her. It seems, that with Donna Karan clothing, function comes before styling. Until recently, Donna Karan's husband Stephan Weiss shared responsibilities with his wife at the top of the company. First and foremost, the trained sculpturor Weiss was in charge of Donna Karan cosmetics. But by the end of 1995, Weiss resigned from his duties in order to concentrate more on his art. In mid-1997 Donna Karan herself followed her husband's resignation, backing off from the position as CEO of the company. Donna Karan remains in the company as chaiwoman and designer in charge. John Idol, who used to be with the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is now Chief Executive Officer of the company. Donna Karan is said to have an interest in Eastern philosophy and meditation, which is reflected in the simplicity of her designs, as some say. One of her three children is her teenage duaghter Gabby, who is reported to be the main inspiration for her DKNY-line. Donna Karan is a close friend to many celebraties, like Barbara Streisand for instance. In her book "Modern Souls" which was published for the 10th anniversary of Donna Karan New York, she asked photographer Herb Ritts to portray some of her friends.

Ownership
Until recently, the Donna Karan Corp. was owned by Donna Karan herself, her husband Stephan Weiss and Takihyo Ltd. The latter is the owner of Anne Klein and is represented by the Japanese business men Frank Mori and Tamio Taki. After much rumour and many postponements Donna Karan International went public in June 1996. An ealier attempt failed due to quality problems that arised during that time.

Performance
The enormous success of the Donna Karan Corp. is equalled in the sales figures of the company. Sales rose up to $510.1 million in 1995 from $196.6 in 1991. DKNY contributes 54% of the sales. Donna Karan couture is responsible for 15% of sales and the rest stems from men's clothing, accessories and other products. 31% of sales are made in exports. The DKNY boutique in London is reported to account for $10 million in sales in 1995 alone. In the second quarter of 1997, a loss of $14.7 million was reported which led ultimately to the resignation of Donna Karan as CEO and the former Chief Financial Officer Stephen L. Ruzow. The Donna Karan stock price plunged from $24 at issue in mid-1996 down to $9 in mid-1997.

Distribution
37% of total sales alone are achieved with the big American retail chains and New York department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Ave., Nordstrom's, Macy's, and Bloomingdales. But Donna Karan plans to expand its distribution net by adding more franchise boutiques, especially for the DKNY-collection. There was to find a New York. DKNY last lines. much talk about the difficulties Donna Karan has location for a flagship-store in the home market In London, Karan has opened such a location for year and is working on another for the couture

The European DKNY business suffered due to quality problems in the early ninties. There were complaints about the quality of the fabrics, incomplete shippings, and the like. Therefore, a new distribution center was established in Amsterdam, Netherlands, trying to enhance customer services. To be closer to the European market Karan planned to show in Milan, Italy in Spring 1996, but backed off again for oraganizational reasons.

Products/ Licenses
Recently, Donna Karan introduced the Donna Karan Kids line. An earlier attempt with children's clothes in 1992 didn't find enough attention. The failure was blamed on too high prices and the lack of a competent partner. This time the French kid's wear specialist Albert S.A., Les Herbiers has the license for the line. There was also news that Donna Karan signed a license agreement with Designer Holdings Ltd. for the design, production, and distribution of DKNY Jeanswear. Interestingly, competition with Calvin Klein Jeanswear - which is also in the hands of Desinger Holdings Ltd. - is supposed to be avoided by positioning the DKNY products in a much higher price range. In early 1997, news broke, that business with Designer Holdings was stopped, due to disagreement what the range of licensed products is. The DKNY jeanswear, which contributed up to half of total Donna Karan sales, will now be developed and marketed by the Donna Karan Corp. itself.

It has been announced that the DKNY line will be segmented differently. Next to the old "DKNY" line there will be a "D by DKNY" line offering more expensive and more fashionable products. And "DKNY Jeanswear" will be subdivided in three collections aiming at different lifestyles. Next to clothing Donna Karan has licenses for the production of socks, shoes, eyewear and patterns. Recently Donna Karan introduced a collection of home accessories i

nspired by the Asian teravels of the designer. In mid1997, it was announced that there will be Donna Karan coffee blends will sold by the canadian coffe retailer Timothy's World Coffee. Fashion leviathan LVMH bought the majority of Donna Karan in November 2001, although Karan still remains in creative control of the company's fashion lines.

Early life
Karan was born Donna Ivy Faske in Forest Hills, Queens, USA.[1] She grew up inWoodmere, Long Island, New York, with her stepfather, a tailor, and her mother, a model. Karan started selling clothing on Cedarhurst, New York's Central Avenue at age 14.[2] She graduated from Hewlett High School in 1966, and then went to the Parsons School of Design.[citation needed]

Career
After leaving college, Karan worked for Anne Klein, eventually becoming head of the Anne Klein design-team, where she remained until 1985, when she launched her eponymous Donna Karan label.

Karan began her career as an assistant designer with Anne Klein in the late 1960s, where she was eventually promoted to associate designer in 1971. When Anne Klein herself died in 1974, Takihyo Corporation of Japan became the new owner and Karan, together with her former classmate and friend Louis Dell'Ollio, 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.[citation needed] Karan became well known for her 'Essentials' line, initially offering seven easy pieces which could all be mixed and matched, and created a fully integrated wardrobe. Karan always insisted that she would only design clothes, like jersey dresses and opaque Lycra tights, that she would also wear herself.[citation needed] She was once described in the early 1990s by the New York Times as Ed Koch in a stretchy black dress.

In 1988, Karan, nicknamed The Queen Of Seventh Avenue, extended her women's 'Donna Karan New York' line by creating a less expensive clothing line for younger women, calledDKNY. 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.[4] Karan left herCEO position in 1997, but continued as chairwoman and designer for the Donna Karan line. After 2002 Karan's designer contributions became less and less.[5] In August 2008, Karan relaunched her discontinued fragrance lines from the 1990s.[citation needed]

DKNY Spring 2012

In 2008, the animal rights group PETA initiated a campaign against Karan for her company's use of fur in products and her contracted fur farmers' alleged inhumane treatment of

animals.[citation needed] On May 17, 2008, protesters held yoga's rabbit pose for over an hour while covered with fake blood while Karan spoke at the Yoga Journal Boston Conference at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.[6] On September 7, 2008, PETA protesters picketed a Boston fashion show by waving signs reading: "Donna: Dump Fur."[7] On December 4, 2008, PETA members wearing Grim Reaper costumes and "bloody" fur coats protested at Karan's boutique in Boston.[8][clarification needed] On December 22, Karan announced that her fall 2009 lines would be fur-free and stated that she had "no plans" to use fur in the future.[9] However, Karan's Fall 2010 collection included fur jackets and vests.[10][11][12] In response, PETA held a demonstration on October 19, 2010 near a Democratic fundraiser in Karans penthouse.[13][14][15][16] In a YouTube video, Karan said she hadn't used fur in her fashion line for two years.[17] Karan's Fall 2011 "Pearls of Wisdom" collection, released in February, 2011, contained numerous fur items.[18] In March, 2011, Indian yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar wrote to Karan on behalf of himself and PETA, urging her to stop using rabbit fur in her designs.[19]

Selected Products
* * * * * * * * * Donna Karan Essentials, now Donna Karan Signature Donna Karan Signature "Gold Label" Donna Karan Collection Donna Karan Intimates Donna Karan Kids D by DKNY DKNY Denims DKNY Classics DKNY Active

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Awards

Karan won the Coty American Fashion Critics Award in 1977 and once again in 1982 (together with Louis DellOllio for Anne Klein). She was inducted into the Coty Hall Of Fame in 1984.[citation needed] The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) named her Menswear Designer of the Year 1992 and Womenswear Designer of the Year 1990 and 1996. She was a nominee for the latter again in 2003 and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the CFDA in 2004. She won special CFDA awards in 1985, 1986 and 1987.[citation needed]

Personal life

Karan is Jewish. She married Mark Karan in the early 1970s, they had a daughter and 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.

Karan's philanthropic work includes the Urban Zen initiative, which she founded with designerSonja Nuttall.[23] In March 2008, Karan sold personal belongings and vintage company samples to benefit the cause. In October, a foundation run by Karan donated $850,000 to New York's Beth Israel Medical Center.[24]

photo credit

You might recognize her first by the company name DKNY, but Donna Karan is a fantastic designer worth knowing on her own. Shes also the first designer featured thus far in our Know Your Fashion Designersseries that was born and bred in the United States! Weve already covered some Italian, Belgian and Frenchdesigners, so if you need to catch up, click the links! In the meantime, get ready to learn more about Americas own fashion powerhouse, Donna Karan. Many of you have been asking about name pronunciation for fashion designers and guess what: For those of you

convinced that every fashion designer name has a weird pronunciation or fashiony flair, not so with Donna Karan! If you, like me, have pronounced Karan as Ka-RAHN in the past, her name actually sounds like Karen! Now when you read the rest of this article out loud to your friends, you can say Donna Karans name with accuracy and confidence. Read on to learn more about Donna Karan, her life, and her fabulous fashion skills!

10 Facts about Donna Karan:

1. Donna Ivy Faske was born in Queens, New York in 1949. She grew up on Long Island with her mother, who was a model, and her stepfather, who was a haberdasher (someone who sells and deals with sewing accessories, commonly for mens fashion). 2. She went to Parsons School of Design and first entered the fashion business by landing a designing gig at Anne Klein. Donna soon worked her way up to becoming the head of Anne Kleins design team. 3. She married Mark Karan in the early 1970s and had a daughter with him named Gabrielle. However, Mark and Donna divorced in 1978; she remarried in 1983 to Stephen Weiss. 4. In 1985, Donna Karan went solo, leaving Anne Klein and building her own company. Her Essentials line soon grew in popularity, causing her original 7 Essential pieces to grow they number over 200 today. The original Essentials line included a bodysuit, a wrap skirt, a chiffon blouse, a longer jacket, leggings, a blazer and a dress. 5. In 1988, the more affordable line, DKNY, was introduced, which was meant to reflect the modern New York lifestyle. 6. Donna Karan claims that when she designs clothes, she designs for women like herself, not for top models. People say that before clothes are accepted for production, that they must first flatter Donna Karan. 7. She has a fascination with Eastern mediation and philosophy, which is sometimes reflected in her designs.

8. Donna Karan is a Libra; she believes in astrology and claims that she cant make decisions very quickly. 9. Her book Modern Souls was published in 1998 for the 10th anniversary of DKNY. 10. Donna Karan had 20 years invested in the fashion industry (and seven grandchildren!) by 2007.

Outfit Inspired by Donna Karan:

, , , , , , If you want to channel Donna Karans style, be ready to show off your shoulders! This fashion designer believes that one of the most attractive attributes of a womans body are her shoulders, so I started this outfit off with
Product Information: off-the-shoulder tee necklace umbrella bracelet denim leggings bag sandals

a casual but sexy t-shirt that Donna Karan would surely approve of. I also added a pair of dark wash jeans, since Donna loves to wear dark colors. Next, it was time for accessories. If you ever look up photos of Donna Karan online, youll find she frequently wears large statement necklaces, like the one I included here. As a nod to her zodiac sign and her interest in the Eastern philosophy, I added this antique-looking bracelet, which comes in other zodiac signs as well! The bag and the sandals are college budget-friendly renditions of what is currently featured on the Donna Karanand DKNY websites. Finally, the umbrella is a DKNY product that is affordable, at just $15, and comes in three awesome patterns!

Extra for Experts:

Ready to expand your fashion designer knowledge? Pick up these reads for your quick study breaks and keep them as fabulous coffee table books!

Modern Souls by Donna Karan herself! What Donna Karan fans library would be complete without a book by the designer herself? Donna Karan by Ingrid Sischy, features an in-depth interview with the designer herself and numerous editorials featuring her fashion. You should also check out Sischys other DK focused book, The Journey of a Woman: 20 years of Donna Karan. Donna Karan: Designing the American Dream by Sherill Tippins and Richard G. Youngs is an inspirational book for fashion lovers and ambitious business minds alike!

Thoughts on Donna Karan?

Are there any other fun facts about Donna Karan you think are worth sharing? With April showers coming, are you considering getting the DKNY umbrella in the black and white newspaper-esque pattern like me? Please share your thoughts and which designer no matter what nationality should be featured next!

INSIGHT

Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul, says Donna Karan, chief designer of the international company that bears her name. For me, designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the complications, feelings and emotions.

In fact, Karan credits her feminine instincts for the success of the company she founded in 1984 with her late husband Stephan Weiss, which went on to be come a publicly-traded enterprise in 1996, and then five years later, was acquired by its present owner, the French luxury conglomerate, LVMH, Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Says Karan, That Im a woman makes me want to nurture others, fulfill needs and solve problems. At the same time, the artist within me strives for beauty, both sensually and visually. So design is a constant challenge

to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.

How Karan meets that challenge can run from the simplicity of a bodysuit (where it all began) to the artisan glamour of a limited edition hand-painted devore dress. Whatever form the design takes, Karan will tell you it begins and ends with the body - its sensual expression, sense of security, and freedom of movement.

A modern system of dressing, Karans concept is based on seven easy pieces, where a handful of interchangeable items work together to create an entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening, week day to weekend, season to season. Im designing for an international man and woman. A creative person who never knows where a day is going to take them, says Karan. Thats why New York is on the label. It sets the pace, the attitude.

Speaking in a multi-cultural language of fashion, Karan is inspired by the life and innate style of the artist. Quintessential hallmarks include black cashmere, leather, stretch and molded fabrics, often developed by Karan, as well as silhouettes that wrap and sculpt the body. For Karan, its never been just about clothes; Its about lifestyles. She sees the entire picture from head-to-toe, from function to aesthetic. Handbags and shoes are designed right alongside the clothes. How do I dress the leg? inspired Donna Karan Hosiery. The right bra? Donna Karan Intimates. The perfect glasses? Donna Karan

Eyewear. The list goes on to include belts, accessories and, as Karan puts it, Everything you need to pull yourself together.

Karans quest for the perfect jeans, as well as her desire to dress her daughter Gabby, resulted in the 1989 birth of DKNY. Fast fashion with an urban mind-set, DKNY is what Karan calls the pizza to Collections caviar. DKNY grew so popular and diverse that other brands and labels spun from it, including DKNY Jeans, DKNY Active, DKNY Underwear, DKNY JEANS Juniors, and DKNY Kids. (Not surprisingly, Karans grandkids and friends kids had much to do with the latter). Like Collection, DKNY has an accessories and shoe collection to underscore its New York City street-smart look.

Karan saw that the many men in her life, starting with her husband, also needed a sophisticated system of dressing. Considering Karans father was a custom tailor, a menswear collection was inevitable, and it was founded in 1992.

Since men cannot live by double face cashmere suits alone, DKNY Men emerged a year later in answer to his casual, sport side, which then beget its own dress shirt and tailored clothing collections.

Determined to seduce all the senses, Karan took on the world of beauty in 1992 under the business and creative leadership of her husband, who designed the bottles and jars for the signature fragrances and their ancillary products. The beauty division went on to introduce bestselling fragrances. Completing the lifestyle approach to design, in 2001 Karan introduced a Donna Karan Home collection all about touch and feel, which includes everything from luxe bedding and candles to cashmere throws, and DKNY home, which accents interiors with fashion-forward bedding and accessories.

Donna Karan International has an excess of one hundred company-owned and licensed free standing Donna Karan Collection, DKNY, and DKNY JEANS stores worldwide. The first flagships opened in London - DKNY in 1994, and Collection two years later. 1999 marked the opening of the uptown New York City DKNY flagship store, located at 60th Street and Madison Avenue, and two years later, came the downtown DKNY flagship on West Broadway in SoHo. Bringing it back to where it all began, in 2001 Karan opened the Donna Karan New York flagship store, the premiere Collection showcase, at 819 Madison Avenue. Designed as a serene escape from the citys chaos, a dramatic indoor/outdoor river rock garden runs through the townhouses ground floor.

For Karan, it literally and creatively began in New York. She was born into fashion on Long Island. Not only was her father Gabby Faske (who died when Karan was three) a tailor, her mother Helen was a showroom model and fashion sales rep. Even Karans stepfather Harold Flaxman was in the fashion business. So it was only natural that Karan, while still in high school, designed her first collection and staged her first show.

Following her second year at Parsons School of Design, Karan was hired by Anne Klein for a summer job . After three years as an associate designer, Karan was named successor following Kleins death in 1974. Louis De

llOlio , a Parsons friend, joined her a year later. Together, they designed the Anne Klein Collection. In a foreshadow of DKNY , Karan created Anne Klein II in 1982, originating the concept of bridge and lifestyle dressing in fashion. After ten years of designing Anne Klein, Karan was ready to go out on her own with the support of Weiss and partner Takiyho, Inc. the owner of Anne Klein & Co. Fall 1985 saw the first Donna Karan New York Collection and the reaction from the press and retailers proved once again that Karan made fashion history.

Throughout her long career, Karans peers have acknowledged her achievements with numerous accolades. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has saluted her six times; and most recently in 2010 she was nominated for their Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. In 2003, Karan was the first American designer to receive Fashion Group Internationals Superstar Award. A year later, Karans alma mater Parsons gave her an Honorary Doctorate to commemorate her contribution to the school and fashion industry, and in 2007, Glamour magazine named Karan one of their Women of the Year.

Using her companys visibility and resources for social causes is a heartfelt priority. A member of CFDAs Board of Directors, Karan conceived and spearheaded its Seventh on Sale benefits to raise funds for aids awareness and education. Karan co-chairs the annual New York Kids for Kids events for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, as she has since its 1993 inception, as well as underwrites Super Saturday, an annual designer flea market/barbeque founded with the late Liz Tilberis in 1998 to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research fund. To facilitate

her many ongoing philanthropic involvements, in 1999, Karan and Weiss established the Karan Weiss foundation. Karans Urban Zen Initiative, founded in 2007, is the culmination of Karans philanthropic efforts. Explains Karan, I have founded the Urban Zen initiative to create a working structure for advancing wellness, preserving culture and empowering children. These are causes that mean the world to me.

DK TALK

KARLIE KLOSS
DONNA: What is your relationship with fashion?

KARLIE: Thats a good question. I think its an evolving and ever-changing one that I am growing to love more every day.

DONNA: Whats your favorite thing to wear or shop for?

KARLIE: I love shopping for Bras and socks, Im a sucker for cute little bras(I have a favorite little boutique in Paris that I love for bras!) and who do doesnt love a new pair of socks?

DONNA: Who or what inspires you creatively?

KARLIE: Music! I am greatly influenced and inspired when I listen to music. I love when Im on set or about to step onto the runway and i get inspired by the music playing and get carried away by the energy and mood of the music.

DONNA: If you could master one skill, what would it be and why?

KARLIE: I would love to have the skill set to fly a planeI plan on getting my pilots license someday(just for the heck of it)Watch out :p

DONNA: What makes you smile?

KARLIE: My little puppy Joe always makes me smile :)

DONNA: Whats the best advice you have ever received?

KARLIE: Dont sweat the small stuff -from my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Saunderman

DONNA: Do you have a personal motto you live by?

KARLIE: I have a few: Every thing happens for a reason. Life is what you make it.And Im a great believer in karma.

DONNA: Tell me something people dont know about you?

KARLIE: I always love a good deal, and I drive a hard bargain at flea markets.

DONNA: Who do you admire and why?

KARLIE: My mother. She is the most beautiful woman i know. She is an incredibly talented artist, has raised 4

intelligent daughters, is a 10year cancer survivor, and continues to inspire me every day.

DONNA: What do you treasure most in your life?

KARLIE: My family. My sisters are the most important thing in my life.

DONNA: What makes you feel powerful?

KARLIE: When I am wearing something I feel beautiful in, I gain a confidence that makes me feel so powerful.

ASHLEY GREENE
DONNA: Whats your relationship with fashion?

ASHLEY: Im definitely a lover of all things fashion. My personal style is constantly evolving, from growing up a beach-bum in Jacksonville, Florida to learning how to embrace couture fashion on the red-carpet while remaining true to who I am. To date, my favorite fashion moment was this years MET Gala. I have never felt so beautiful and am eternally thankful to Donna for that memorable moment in my career.

DONNA: If you could meet any woman, living or dead, who would she be and why?

ASHLEY: Audrey Hepburn would top my list. Im in awe of her talent, her timeless sense of style, and her devotion to charity. Shes someone I look up to tremendously and would have loved to meet.

DONNA: Who or what inspires you creatively?

ASHLEY: Everything! I can be inspired by a person, a place Ive visited, a book Ive read. For example, Alice Cullens style was inspired by Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn.

DONNA: Whats the best thing about getting older?

ASHLEY: The best thing about getting older is that you really start to find yourself and understand who you are. Im in my 20s and every year I grow more in my own skin.

confident

DONNA: Do you have a personal motto you live by?

ASHLEY: Be true to yourself. Especially in this industry, where there are constant pressures, I think thats very important. Im grateful to my parents for raising me to believe that I have no one elses standards to live up to but my own.

DONNA: What do you treasure most in life?

ASHLEY: My family and friends. I treasure them most in my life and know how blessed I am to have those relationships.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS
DONNA: Whats your relationship with fashion?

CHRISTINA: I am inspired by fashion. I like that it allows you to convey whatever you want about yourself and that that can change on a daily basis. It is a tool that help us present ourselves to the world.

DONNA: Whats your favorite thing to wear/shop for?

CHRISTINA: I loooove hats. I have tons. I like that they frame your face and they can add whimsy to your look. And they always fit!

DONNA: If you could master one more skill, what would it be and why?

CHRISTINA: I would love to be truly masterful at an instrument and be able to sing like Idina Menzel. I would love to be musical.

DONNA: Do you have a personal motto you live by?

CHRISTINA: I think my motto would be. Go with the flow. I try to take everything as it comes. I dont get anxiety about the future or dwell on the past. At least not THAT much!

DONNA: What do you treasure most in life?

CHRISTINA: I treasure my friends and husband more than anything in this world. I am so truly lucky to have people in my life that inspire me, comfort me , and teach me on a daily basis about love and respect.

BROOKE SHEILDS
DONNA: If you could meet any woman, living or dead, who would she be?

BROOKE: Mother Teresa, to have that kind of unadulterated pure kindness in your heart, something that comes before you do. I would love to be more like that as a person.

DONNA: Whats the best thing about getting older?

BROOKE: Feeling comfortable with your body and with how you are motivated.

DONNA: What makes you smile?

BROOKE: My babies. They made me realize why I am here, and they are so funny!

DONNA: Whats the best advice youve ever received?

BROOKE: Stand up tall. My dad told me that- he was 67.

DONNA: Who do you admire and why?

BROOKE: My friend Katie McGrath, she is a beautiful mother and activist, an unaffected woman even though she is ensconced in the entertainment industry.

DONNA: What do you treasure most in life?

BROOKE: Family and hope.

DONNA: Whats the one thing you wont give up no matter what?

BROOKE: My true nature.

MILLA JOVOVICH
DONNA: Whats your relationship with fashion?

MILLA: Im like a lot of women who love to dress according to my moods. Fashion can be a great creative outlet, an expression of ones emotions, an armor to protect or a fabric that soothes the senses. Fashion can also be a piece of art that can be worn like a sculpture. I guess my relation to fashion is having a deep appreciation for the feelings certain clothing can create.

DONNA: Whats your favorite thing to wear/shop for?

MILLA: Currently my favorite piece is this thin, long cashmere wrap I recently purchased. I can wear and wrap it in all different ways. It creates various silhouettes and layers which is a lot of fun for me.

DONNA: Who or what inspires you creatively?

MILLA: Since the birth of my daughter Ever, I have found inspiration daily from the wonder in her eyes. She is a constant source of creativity for me.

DONNA: What are you most proud of?

MILLA: My daughter of course. Every other accomplishment pales in comparison.

DONNA: Whats the best thing about getting older?

MILLA: Becoming more comfortable with ones self. Gaining the understanding that not everything revolves around me and that some of the things I viewed as problems in my youth seem insignificant now that Im a mother.

DONNA: What makes you smile?

MILLA: Waking up to the sound of Mama and my husband playing with our daughter, hes a very gentle soul.

DONNA: Whats the best advice youve ever received?

MILLA: To live and let live. Simple words but filled with truth!

DONNA: Tell us something people dont know about you.

MILLA: That I am really active with the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund. This is a wonderful organization dedicated to preserving all of the wildlife in Africa.

DONNA: Who do you admire and why?

MILLA: Actually, I am a great admirer of yours. You are such an incredible role model to me. First of all, you are an incredible mother, your beautiful daughter Gabby is a testament to that. Not only are you a talented designer, but you are a real woman with a strong vision which has taken your success to great heights through all of your philanthropic work. You genuinely care about the world we live in and I find your thirst for life, and your love towards others very inspiring.

DONNA: Whats your best quality? Your worst?

MILLA: My best quality is my ability to motivate others I suppose. At least thats what my best friend tells me. Id say my worst quality is that I am rather impulsive.

DONNA: How do you handle uncertainty?

MILLA: Id say that I push myself pretty hard, even in the face of adversity. If Im uncertain about something, I ask a lot of questions. I dont give up too easily, I push forward and hope for the best knowing that Ive given whatever it is my all.

DONNA: What makes you feel powerful?

MILLA: Lately I have found what gives me strength is the knowledge that nothing matters more to me than my daughter. Reallyeven with all the struggles that people go through, there is nothing more important at the end of the day than family and close friends. Love conquers all, right?

IMAN
DONNA : If you could meet any woman, living or dead, who would she be and why?

IMAN: Nefertiti. as I have always been compared to her because of our long necks!

DONNA: Whats the best thing about getting older?

IMAN: Getting comfortable in my own skin.

DONNA: What makes you smile?

IMAN: My 8 yr old daughter trying to explain a long winded story to me.

DONNA: Whats the best advice youve ever received?

IMAN: Always know your worth my mom.

DONNA: Who do you admire and why?

IMAN: Non government organizations who tirelessly work on behalf of the disenfranchised. They are the angels among us.

DONNA: What do you treasure most in life?

IMAN: My 2 daughters.

DONNA: Whats the one thing you wont give up no matter what?

IMAN: My Azzedine Alaia clothes from the 80s.. they are all archived.

Photographer Credit: Peter Lindberg

CRISTINA EHRLICH
Celebrity Stylist

DONNA: What is your relationship to fashion?

CRISTINA: It is a vehicle in which I express myself as both a stylist and designer. It has been a point of intrigue, creativity, and comfort for as long as I can remember.

DONNA: What is your favorite thing to wear and shop for?

CRISTINA: I love to shop for things that are different and unique. Finding vintage pieces is the most exciting. I love wondering whom a piece may have belonged to, where they wore it, who they were. I love searching for pieces that have something unique about them.

DONNA: If you could master one more skill, what would it be?

CRISTINA: To draw and paintTo be able to express oneself is the greatest gift of all, and to be able to sit down and frenetically sketch, draw, or paint would be an amazing form of expression.

DONNA: What makes you smile?

CRISTINA: Humor and kindness - two of the most important things that keep me going.

DONNA: What do you treasure most?

CRISTINA: My family, friends, and my animals, they are the bottom line, and I am grateful for them all.

DONNA: What are you most proud of?

CRISTINA: My tenacity and perseverance. I never give up or quit.

DONNA: What is the one thing you wont give up, no matter what?

CRISTINA: Trying, kindness, or compassion; they are a daily practice for me.

DONNA: What makes you feel powerful?

CRISTINA: Being calm.

DONNA: What is a personal motto that you live by?

CRISTINA: Don Miguel Ruizs 4 agreements: Always tell the truth, do your best, take nothing personally, make no assumptions.

COLLECTION THE HAITIAN ARTISAN T-SHIRT

Designed to Make a DIfference If theres one thing I love, its a creative collaboration. Especially one that connects fashion and art; philanthropy and commerce. These collectors T-shirts do all that and more. Each is as chic as it comes colorful, graphic, sexy in cut, sensuous in fabric the kind of T you live in, worn with everything from cargo shorts to white jeans and heels. And each T-shirt is literally a work of art. I collaborated with two dear friends, Haitian artist Philippe Dodard, whose amazing work inspired our spring prints, and Russell James, creator and founder of Nomad Two Worlds, a multi-media project which raises awareness on indigenous cultures through modern art, film, and music. (Russell was also the photographer of our spring campaign with Adriana Lima, shot in Haiti, as well as our upcoming fall campaign.) Beyond just looking good, these T-shirts DO good a percentage of the proceeds to support Urban Zen Foundations Haiti Artisan Project. As many of you know, I am passionately involved with helping Haiti rebuild and sustain itself through its artisan communities. This Tshirt is an opportunity to join in our efforts. Pick up one, or get all three. Dress them up, dress them down. An

artful touch to any wardrobe, its the perfect gift to give to anyone with style, starting with yourself.

Label Overview
After co-designing Anne Klein for ten years, Donna Karan launched, in 1985, her own line with late husband Stephan Weiss. Based on a foundation of Seven Easy Pieces, Karans first collection included practical mix-and-match separates that accentuated a womans curves. Her name became synonymous with the New York look and created a trend-setting, all-black palette for ready-to-wear. Shes also credited with popularizing the bodysuit. Her company grewas much by the designers instinct as by any strategic business planto include menswear, childrens apparel, beauty, home, and accessories, and has enjoyed extreme commercial success. In 1996, Donna Karan went public, which netted the designer a fortune but had mixed results on Wall Street. The Donna Karan International company includes her secondary label, DKNY. It was bought by LVMH in 2001 for a reported $643 million. Today, Karan acts as chief creative director.

STATUS
Established, Household Name

CLIENTS
Victoria Beckham, Brooke Shields, Liv Tyler, Debra Messing

SIBLING LABELS
DKNY

OTHER PRODUCT LINES

Beauty, Eyewear, Fragrances, Home, Handbags, Lingerie, Shoes

OWNED BY
LVMH (Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc.)

ADDRESS
550 Seventh Ave. New York, New York 10018 212-789-1500

WHERE TO BUY
Donna Karan, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue,Bloomingdales

RELATED WEBSITES

Donna Karan

Donna Karan (Official) LVMH: Donna Karan (Official) Style.com: Donna Karan (Media)

DESIGNED BY
Donna Karan, 1985 - Present

SHOWS IN
New York

COLLECTION TYPES
RTW, Resort

SIMILAR CLIENTELE

MaxMara, Narciso Rodriguez

STYLES & TAGS

American, Buyers' Favorite, Commercial Success

Donna Karan Gold Resort

DESIGNED BY Donna Karan, 2006 - Present

SHOWS IN
New York

COLLECTION TYPES
Resort

STYLES & TAGS

American

Donna Karan Menswear

DESIGNED BY
Donna Karan, 1992 - Fall 2003

COLLECTION TYPES
Menswear

STYLES & TAGS

American

Donna Karan is famous for her consistently feminine, wearable clothing that speaks to the great diversity of women.

THE URBAN SWIRL

This pristine silk sheer organza blouse can be paired back to a full skirt (as shown on the runway), lean leg, or fabulous cocktail dress. Ships with a jersey camisole for coverage, this parasol silhouette spirals on the body, even when tented with volume, like this paper canvas swirl skirt. The juicy color of this skirt teamed with the grace of a silk gazar shirt creates a look that is easy, urban and cool just what you want for spring.

THE TOTEM DRESS

A fantastic tubular dress very to the body, long and lean. This undeniably sexy body conscious dress is built on a jersey bodice for comfort, ease and movement. This

dress uses hand cut appliqu strokes of color and geometric cuts of fabric to echo and define the body in earth, black and bone. The brass and ebony wood studs give it that extra artisan beading touch.

ANKLE CUFF WEDGE

The ankle cuff gladiator is hand crafted in hand painted python, soft natural calf or woven elastic atop an openwedge heel. The construction is a hand-carved tribal mask in wenge, redwood or sycamore that works in harmony with a futuristic, transparent lucite sole with a wood veneer insole.

THE WOOD BANGLE & CLUSTER NECKLACE THE WOOD BANGLE

An artisan piece cut of rich woods, the tan color comes from sycamore while the mud color is from wenge. The cut is abstract and angular creating a gorgeous high-fashion bangle.

THE CLUSTER NECKLACE

The spring cluster necklaces are hand beaded with Bakelite shards and hand dyed wood. A truly limited edition handmade piece that makes the ultimate fashion statement.

THE LUCITE WEDGE

For the resort season, we collaborated with artisans in Venice who work with plastic and wood, usually for the furniture industry. These amazing shoes are the result. Each wedge starts with a solid piece of Lucite, which is handcrafted into our desired silhouette. Acid is then carefully drizzled on the top of that Lucite, which creates the shard-like indentations inside the wedge. The Lucite is hand-polished to shine its clear exterior. A strong epoxy is mixed with colored dye, which is then

brushed on the Lucites surface for the color to seep slowly into the mico-shards. This unusual technique is completely original and exclusive to Donna Karan and makes each wedge a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

While she was still a student at the Parsons School of Design in New York, Long Island native Donna Karan was offered a summer job assisting Anne Klein. After three years as associate designer, Karanwas named as Klein's successor and, following her mentor's death in 1974, Karan became head of the company. After a decade at Anne Klein, where she established a reputation for practical luxury sportswear separates, typically in stretch fabrics and dark hues,Karan founded her own

company in 1984 with her late husband, Stephan Weiss. A year later, her highly acclaimed Donna Karan New York Collection, based around the concept of 'seven easy pieces', unveiled the bodysuit that was to become her trademark. Karan's emphasis on simple yet sophisticated designs, including everything from wrap skirts to corseted eveningwear, captured the popular mood of 'body consciousness' that swept Hollywood in the '80s. By 1989, she had expanded this philosophy to the street-smart diffusion line DKNY. In 1992, inspired by the desire to dress her husband, a menswear line was launched. Since then,Donna Karan International has continued to diversify and expand to cover every age and lifestyle, including a children's range, eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings. She has been honoured with an unprecedented seven CFDA awards, including 2004's Lifetime Achievement Award to coincide with her 20th anniversary. The company became a publiclytraded enterprise in 1996 and was acquired by French luxury conglomerate LVMH in 2001 for a reported 643 million US$.Karan remains the chief designer. A year after the January 12, 2010 earthquake ravaged the island of Haiti, fashion designerDonna Karan discovered the ironwork of Haitian artist Philippe Dodard in the lobby of the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince. She told a hotel employee that she wanted to meet the person responsible for the work. Dodard, who had heard of Karan through magazines and clothing shops, went to the hotel to meet her, but she was too busy for a lengthy discussion. So he invited Karan to his house, where she discovered his other pieces paintings and inks. The two found that they had a lot in common, mainly yoga and spiritual healing, and became friends. Dodard accompanied her as she visited the artisans she worked

with. Soon after, Karan came to Dodard with a request to use his artwork in her spring/summer 2012 collection. I said, But of course, Dodard told ARTINFO. I was really happy to see that happen. Karan went to Dodards Port-au-Prince atelier several times to select paintings and inks that she could use in her designs. Dodard also went to New York a few times during the process. I didnt interfere in the design of the collection itself because its a creation of Donna, said Dodard. Through June 20, Dodards thick brush strokes and tribal patterns will be shown alongside the luxury garments of Karans spring/summer 2012 collection in the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, in an exhibition titled Donna Karan & Philippe Dodard. One section of the show displays two Donna Karan looks before 14 of Dodards canvasses that helped influence them: a skirt bearing patterns of masks and zigzags that show up throughout Dodards oeuvre and an evening gown embellished in a manner that resembles the curves and dashes in his artwork. In one corner, a video of Karans runway show plays repeatedly. MOCA, North Miami curator Bonnie Clearwater felt that the show would be an ideal celebration for Haitian Heritage month in Miami Dade County. I thought it would be a good way to demonstrate one such example of how international cultural philanthropy has resulted after the earthquake, Clearwater told ARTINFO. Immediately after the earthquake Karan felt compelled to do something to help the country and its victims. With music executive Andre Harrell, singer Mary J. Blige,

entrepreneur Steve Stoute, and hotelier Andre Balazs, Karan formed Hope, Help, & Rebuild Haiti to aid in the reconstruction of the devastated Caribbean nation. The fashion designer has made numerous trips to Haiti since to contribute to the efforts. Every time I visit Haiti, its like I am seeing the world through a childs eyes, wrote Karan on the Huffington Post last January. The wonder of what is possible tells the story of triumphant humanity. This is why I want everyone to experience it... not just to be inspired by the potential of Haiti, but also to remember the potential of our collective humanity. Karans project with Dodard, it seems, is very much in line with her desire to bring the richness of Haiti to a broader audience. Donna Karan is the premier fashion designer and perhaps the most influential to appear in America in many years. Karan's impact on the world of fashion is reflected in the fact that she sells more than $ 150 million per year. Furthermore she is also the createro of the DKNY (Donna Karan New York) clothing label. Donna Ivy Faske was born on October 9, 1948 in Forest Hills, New York. She grew up in Hewlett, Long Island with her step-father who was a tailor and her mother who was a model. In 1962 she dropped out of school, and started selling clothes at a neighbourhood boutique. After 4 years, in 1966 she enrolled in the prestigious Parsons School of Design. She married Mark Karan in the early 1970s and had a daughter Gabrielle, nicknamed Gabby. Karans daughter Gabby is married to Gian Paolo De Felice, an Alitalia airline pilot. They have one daughter, Stefania. She has been reported as being involved in the Kabbalah Centre. She was divorced in 1983 and married her childhood sweetheart sculptor Stephan Weiss.

Karan, nicknamed The Queen Of Seventh Avenue, began working for Liz Claiborne at a very young age. In the 1970s, she then got a job through her mother as an intern with Anne Klein, where she was eventually promoted to associate designer in 1971. A couple of months later, she was fired because she said "I was so good, that Anne Klein felt insecure and could not stand me in the design room." Karan's talent drew the attention of Patti Cappalli head of a label called "Addenda" and it was under her tutelage that Donna Karan developed as a designer. Karan worked with Cappalli for 18 months. In 1970 Donna Karan returned to Anne Klein. When Anne Klein herself died in 1974, Takihyo Corporation of Japan became the new owner and Karan, together with her former classmate and friend Louis DellOllio, became head designer of the house. Donna Karan and her Parsons classmate Dell 'Olio made Anne Klein into one of the biggest and most profitable designer sportswear companies in the USA. She collected 3 Coty Awards (The American Fashion Designer's version of the Oscar) during the time she was with Anne Klein. In 1984 Donna Karan left Anne Klein and, together with her husband Mark Karan and Takihyo Corporation she started her own business to design modern clothes for modern people". She showed her first Donna Karan womens collection in 1985. What made her initially famous in the industry was her line of elastic bodysuits. She also became known for her very successful Essentials line, initially offering seven easy pieces which could all be mixed and matched, and created a fully integrated wardrobe. At a time when more and more women in America entered the business world and were looking for sophisticated and elegant, yet simple and functional clothing, preferably in black, white or grey, the company experienced tremendous success with its power dressing outfits and was loved by the critics in the

1980s. Ms. In 1988 Karan extended her womens Signature Collection by a less expensive line, called DKNY, for younger women. The line was such a hit that Karan can be regarded as the first designer to successfully establish a bridge collection. Two years later she created DKNY Jeans and DKNY for men was launched in 1992, one year after the Signature collection line for men had been presented. The portfolio was later complemented by a kids collection, beauty products, accessories and furniture. Sales rose up to 510.1 million in 1995 from $96.6 in 1991. More than half of the sales are attributed to the DKNY lines, couture contributes 15% and about 30% of the sales are generated by mens clothing, accessories, cosmetics and other products. Almost a third of the sales are made in exports. In April 2001, LVMH the French giant concern headed by Bernard Arnault, bought out Donna Karan financially, although she continues as Chief Designer. It will have to be seen how this affects her operations. Another event in 2001 occurred which will affect Donna tremendously. Her beloved husband Stephan Weiss died of cancer. He had been ill for some time. Donna had received his complete support and advice throughout her career and will sorely miss him.

The Look
Karan is inspired by New York; she believes its energy, pace, and vibrance attracts the most sophisticated and artistic people in the world, the type of people and lifestyle for whom she has always designed. Her principle is that clothes should be interchangeable and flexible enough to go from day to evening, summer to winter. Fashion should be a multicultural language, easy, sensuous, and functional, a modern security blanket. Perhaps this explains why her fundamental trademark items, the bodysuits, unitards, black cashmere and stretch fabrics and sensuous bodywrap styles owe great allegiance

to the innate style and taste of the artist. There is a great sense of urgency about Donna Karan; to say there are not enough hours in a day would be an understatement. Karan's magic touch is a combination of creative flair and marketing know-how. She designs for human needs, people who live, work, and play. She conceptualizes a customer and wardrobe and can then merchandise a line, applying her designer's eye for color, proportion, and fit. In many ways she is like a contemporary American Chanel in that she analyses women's needs with a question to herself: "What do I need? How can I make life easier? How can dressing be simplified so I can get on with my own life?" Karan has moved from designing the feminine, comfortable clothes that have defined and improved the life of her clients to designs for these customers' homes, and finally to suggesting possessions that appeal to their souls. All the Karan lines, whether for the woman or for the home, respect the busy and chaotic nature of contemporary life.

Who wears it
Oprah, Barbara Streisand and Hillary Clinton are all fans; Gwyneth Paltrow had several pieces shipped to the set of Proof so she could wear them in the movie. Barbra Streisand, Murphy Brown, Candace Bergen, Michael Bolton, Larry Hagman, Richard Gere, Warren Beatty, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Bill Clinton

Perfumes
1992 1992 1994 1994 1995 1996 2000 2000 Donna Karan Eau de Parfum Donna Karan New York (W) Donna Karan Cashmere Mist (W) DK Men Fuel DK Men Unleaded Chaos (W) DKNY (W) DKNY (M)

2002 2002 2002 2004 2004 2005 2006 2006 2006 2007

Black Cashmere(W) DKNY Energy (W) DKNY Energy Men Pure Cashmere (W) DKNY Be Delicious (W) DKNY Be Delicious (M) DKNY Red Delicious Women DKNY Red Delicious Men Donna Karen Gold (W) DKNY Be Delicious Night Women

Notes
Over the years, Donna has won the Coty American Fashion Critics Award 4 times, in 1977, 1981, 1984 and 1985. She has also won the CFDA designer of the year award 4 times, in 1985, 1986, 1990 and 1992. In the year 2001, the city of New York decided to honour American fashion designers by placing bronze plaques along 7th Avenue, the great street of fashion in New York. This has been called the "FASHION WALK OF FAME." Donna Karan was one of those honoured, and here is a picture of her plaque.