Birth: October 2, 1948.
Place of birth: Forest Hills, New York.
Couture line: Donna Karan New York ( DKNY)
Donna Karan was born in a family which had its connection with the
fashion world from the beginning. To her, the industry was not new
though its challenges were as always surmounting. But with her
innovative ideas and artistic skill Donna managed to create a space in
this booming industry. Her interest in fashion was ever since her
childhood but took a shape with the launch of her company DKNY (Donna
Karan New York). The brand today has a widespread reach globally.
Early life
Donna Karan was born as Donna Ivy Faske on October 2, 1948 in Forest
Hills, New York. Her father was a tailor whereas her mother was a model.
After completing her graduation from the Hewlett High School in 1966,
she went on to Parsons The New School for Design for two years. She then
started working for Anne Klein. In due course of time she became head
designer of the Anne Klein design-team and remained in this position
until 1989. It was then; she launched the Essentials line, and her
legendary "Seven Easy Pieces." In 1970, she married Mark
Karan. It was in the year 1985 she founded har own company by the name
DKNY (Donna Karan New York).
Promotions and success
The brand is synonymous to the energy and spirit of New York. Donna has
to her credit a lot of good work which is quite evident from the fact
that she has a number to awards to prove it. Some of the awards she has
received are:
Donna Karan is a world famous American fashion
designer. Know more about her life and collection.
Donna Karan
- Karan won the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1977 and once again in 1982 (together with Louis Dell'Ollio for Anne Klein).
- She was inducted into the Coty Hall Of Fame in 1984.
- The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) named her Menswear Designer of the Year 1992 and Women's wear 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.
- She was also honored by Fashion Group International at its Night of Stars gala
Brand and clientele
The brand DKNY started of with apparels but with growth turned out to be a gamut of luxury products which included menswear, womenswear, fragrance, eyewear, underwear, kids, juniors, baby products, shoes, belt and accessories. Its first flagship store was opened in New York. The label has its stores located predominantly in retail shopping malls. DKNY also offers online shopping through its own website. The company also maintains its design studio at Manhattan and New York. DKNY not only has a star studded line up as clients but its retail stores have given in an opportunity for the common man to avail to the products.
The brand DKNY started of with apparels but with growth turned out to be a gamut of luxury products which included menswear, womenswear, fragrance, eyewear, underwear, kids, juniors, baby products, shoes, belt and accessories. Its first flagship store was opened in New York. The label has its stores located predominantly in retail shopping malls. DKNY also offers online shopping through its own website. The company also maintains its design studio at Manhattan and New York. DKNY not only has a star studded line up as clients but its retail stores have given in an opportunity for the common man to avail to the products.