Donna Karan leaves DKNY – the label she founded 30 years ago

The news broke late yesterday evening that Donna Karen is stepping down from her role as Chief Designer of the fashion brand she founded more than three decades ago.

In 1984, Donna launched her label DKI (Donna Karan International) with husband Stephen Weiss and later, in 1988, she launched DKNY, a label we all know and love today.

In 2001, LVMH, the world leader of luxury brands, bought up DKI, although Karan herself remained hugely influential in the capacity of Chief Designer

The New Yorker became famous for her alternative thinking when she first launched her label, creating designs no one had previously explored. At the time women were only beginning to climb the corporate ladder and – they wanted to have the attire to match. Karan made a big impact when she launched practical, layer-able and most of all, feminine pieces. 

For the time being, there is no immediate successor and, in fact, the label's fashion shows will be put on a temporary hiatus. 

We just hope the label doesn't suffer and is still able to stay in competition with the likes of Calvin Klien and Ralph Lauren.