Fashion career profile
Donna Karan
Donna Karan is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur whose work focused on the practical needs of women’s wardrobes. A BFA graduate of Parsons School of Design, she interned at Anne Klein and became the company’s head designer after Klein’s death in 1974. Karan founded her own company with Stephan Weiss in 1984 and introduced a modular wardrobe concept known as Seven Easy Pieces, pairing adaptable separates with luxurious materials. She expanded the business with DKNY in 1988, broadening its offer into a more accessible New York sportswear line. Karan also established Urban Zen in 2007, a design and philanthropic initiative that connects craft, culture and community work. LVMH acquired Donna Karan in 2001; after 31 years leading her fashion line, she stepped down in 2015. Her Anne Klein role, founder tenure and later Urban Zen work are distinct chapters rather than one continuous house appointment.
- Role
- Co-Founder and Founding Designer, Donna Karan New York
- Nationality
- American
- Age
- 78
- Career appointments
- 2
- Fashion houses
- 2
- Carla Bruni, Karen Elson Celebrate Mert Alas’ Donna Karan Campaign Return in ParisWWD · 2026-10-03
- AWWG and G-III Apparel Group end their allianceFashionNetwork · 2026-09-09
- Donna Karan New York taps Kendall Jenner for fall 2026 campaignFashionNetwork · 2026-09-03
- Anne Klein: Appointed head designer after Klein’s death in 1974Karan had first interned at Anne Klein and worked as an associate designer; the role title is corrected in the career record. · Parsons School of Design
- Seven Easy Pieces: Introduced a modular wardrobe with her 1984 debut collectionThe system combined a small set of adaptable garments for work and evening dressing. · Parsons School of Design
- DKNY: Launched the DKNY sportswear line in 1988The lower-priced line expanded the company beyond its founder’s signature collection. · Parsons School of Design
- Urban Zen: Founded Urban Zen in 2007The initiative combines a lifestyle business and foundation focused on culture, design and community work. · Parsons School of Design
- 1974 — Becomes head designer at Anne KleinAfter Klein’s death, Karan is appointed head designer of the company.
- 1984 — Founds her namesake companyKaran launches the company with Stephan Weiss and debuts the Seven Easy Pieces wardrobe.
- 1988 — Launches DKNYThe new line extends Karan’s New York sportswear offer.
- 2015 — Steps down from her fashion lineThe departure follows 31 years at the helm; Urban Zen remains a separate project.
- 1984–2015 — Co-Founder and Chief Designer — Donna KaranHistorical appointment · G-III Apparel Group
- 1974–1984 — Head Designer — Anne KleinHistorical appointment · Parsons School of Design