Donna Karan, American fashion darling, is to step down from her eponymous label and company after more than 30 years since she founded the company.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Karan said:
“After much thoughtful discussion and in partnership with Donna Karan International (DKI) and MHLV [Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton], our visionary founder, Donna Karan, has made a personal decision to step down from her day-to-day responsibilities as chief designer for Donna Karan International.”
The Instagram post continued: “Over the past three decades, Donna Karan has inspired women around the world to embrace their power and sensuality,” the Instagram post said. “When she started her collection in 1985 she set out to simply make clothes for her and her friends. A little collection of simple black pieces that was all about need and desire. She quickly found out that she wasn’t alone — she had a lot of friends out there. Her philosophy of a sophisticated system of dressing, ‘her seven easy pieces’ revolutionized the working woman’s wardrobe.”
Karan will remain as an adviser to Donna Karan International, but will now focus on her Urban Zen line, which centers on wellness and artisanal goods.
LVMH, which bought the fashion house in 2001, said there were no immediate plans to replace her as a designer, and the main Donna Karan collection would be suspended. It will not hold a show at New York Fashion Week in September.
In an announcement, the company outlined that it will reorganise its teams and structure to “substantially increase its focus on the DKNY brand,” which currently accounts for over 80% of Donna Karan International revenue.
Karan said in a statement, “LVMH and I have made this decision after much soul-searching. I have arrived at a point in my life where I need to spend more time to pursue my Urban Zen commitment to its fullest potential and follow my vision of philanthropy and commerce.”
