DKNY just lost its namesake designer.
Donna Karan has stepped down as the chief designer from Donna Karan International. She made “a personal decision” to end her day-to-day responsibilities, but will stay on in an advisory role, the company said Tuesday.
Karan started her clothing collection in 1985, beginning with the “Seven Easy Pieces” that revolutionized the wardrobes of working women.
She co-founded the company Donna Karan International with her husband Stephan Weiss. Several labels sprouted from that company, including DKNY in 1989.
Donna Karan International has been owned by the French luxury company LVMH since 2001. Before starting her own brand, Karan was a designer for Anne Klein.
She will turn her focus to her nonprofit, the Urban Zen Initiative, which takes on a variety of healthcare related causes. The Urban Zen Company helps support the foundation. Its three stores sell clothing, jewelry, furniture and home decor.
Karan’s memoir is due out in October.
