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,” Karan’s first collection included practical mix-and-match separates that accentuated a woman’s curves. Her name became synonymous with the New York look and created a trend-setting, all-black palette for ready-to-wear. She’s also credited with popularizing the bodysuit. Her company grew—as much by the designer’s instinct as by any strategic business plan—to include menswear, children’s 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 (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc.)

Address

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

Where To Buy

Donna Karan, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue

Related Websites

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