Donna Karan Fashion Designer Profile

Learn about the life, success and style of American fashion designer Donna Karan.

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Transcript

Donna Karan Fashion Designer Profile Female: Having created some of the most practical clothing to come out of the 80s, Donna Karan has become one of the most recognizable names in American fashion. Not only is she a fashion designer, she is also the creator of the clothing label DKNY, Donna Karan New York. Growing up in a family who was already involved in modeling and fashion, Karan become obsessed with fashion from a young age and eventually went on to attend Parson’s School of Design. After two years, she left that to work for American Fashion Designer Anne Klein, eventually to be made head of the Anne Klein design team where she remained for 10 years. It was around this time in the mid-1980s that Karan with the support of her late husband founded her own label Donna Karan New York. Her first collection brought within a new style and combined elements of tailoring with sportswear making clothes easy to wear and comfortable. She revolutionized the working woman’s wardrobe by creating her famous 7 Easy Pieces which showed that women could be comfortable, professional and feminine. By the late 80s, she had introduced the cheaper DKNY label catering to a wider audience. She also closed the New York fashion week in front of a star studded crowd. She was now known for her power dressing designs but had softened the shape her suits for the 1990s. The silhouette was long, linear and fluent with its coolest shoulders. The jackets have the feel of cardigan sweaters and blouses had a romantic touch of ruffle. In 1996, she classed her work as “Distinctive American” and for her exclusive autumn fashion line for her DK New York label called the Neo Classic. Her clothing groups featured tailored dresses, bootleg pants, knit shirts, crushed velvet coats and dresses of chenille and chiffon. With models wearing almost no makeup and dressed in clothes made of felt, fleece and chiffon, her collections have also combined real life with real desire. Donna Karan: To me, when I think of American clothes I think of a reality base, something that is a desirable and what I was hoping today is that the people sitting in the audience should say, “I want to wear it. That looks new. That looks exciting. I don’t have it. I want it and it works for me.” And they are separates. They are easy. They’re uncomplicated. You don’t have to think about it. They are just beautiful clothes. Female: Today, Karan’s company also produces men’s wear, jeans, accessories, hosiery, fragrance and cosmetics. During her career, Karan has been honored for her achievements receiving numerous awards. In 1993, she was awarded with the Council of Fashion Designers of American Award for best men’s wear designer. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, the same year her company celebrated 20 years. As one of the more successful designers in America, Karan has in high demand, not just with everyday customers and fellow designers but also with some of the biggest names in the film and television industries. Young starlet like Lindsay Lohan has been seen dressed in a full- length glimmering beige gown designed by Donna Karan and according to her stylist, Rachel Zoe, Lohan was going for a ship wrecked look. Actress Mary Steenburgen is also a fan of Donna Karan designs as is one of Hollywood’s rising start Rachel McAdams attending her film premier in a lovely cream colored Donna Karan dress. Her use of fabrics from leathers, customized silks and soft cashmeres shows how understanding of comfort mixed with pleasure. Donna Karan style is modern and smooth and continuously provides a feeling of elegance.