Donna Karan

Model

Born October 2, 1948 in Forest Hills, NY, US

Born as Donna Ivy Faske, Karan is the creator of DKNY (Donna Karen New York).  Karan grew up in Woodmere, Long Island to a fashion forward family.  She began selling clothing on New York’s Central Avenue at 14 years old.  Karan studied at Parsons The New School for Design for two years until she began working for Anne Klein, eventually becoming head of the Anne Klein design team until 1989.  After leaving Anne Klein, Karan launched her Essentials line including her legendary Seven Easy Pieces. In 1997, Karan resigned as chief executive officer of the company but remained chairwoman and designer of the Donna Karan line.  In 2001, LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A. acquired DKNY for $243 million.  Karan has won several awards throughout her career including the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award in 1977 and 1982, as well as being inducted in the Coty Hall of Fame in 1984.  In 1992, the Council of Fashion Designers of America named her Menswear Designer of the Year and Womenswear Designer of the Year in 1990 and 1996. Apart from the United States, the DKNY label is sold throughout the world in cities such as London, Antwerp, Hong Kong, Dubai and Athens.  Karan is the founder of several charities including the Urban Zen initiative.

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