Donna Karan is a successful businesswoman and fashion designer. DKNY clothing labels and Donna Karan New York were founded by her.
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Wiki, Bio, Family, Siblings, Childhood & Education
Helen and Gabby Faske gave birth to the entrepreneur on October 2, 1948, in New York City. Karen’s family adheres to the Jewish faith. Donna’s mother was a model who worked in designer Chester Weinberg’s showroom. Her father, a tailor, and haberdasher, died when she was only three years old.
The designer grew up in Nassau County, New York, with her older sister Gail. She enjoyed softball, volleyball, and basketball. The entrepreneur worked in the art department. She graduated from Hewlett High School in 1966. Donna attended Parsons School of Design for additional studio work.
Donna Karan’s Age, Height, Weight, and Body Dimensions
Karan, who was born on October 2, 1948, is 74 years old today. Her height is 5 feet 5 inches and her weight is 54 kilograms.
Donna Karan’s Profession & Career
The designer finished her education and began working for Anne Klein, a fashion designer. She eventually rose to the position of head of the Anne Klein design team. The designer left the company in 1985. The designer launched her label after leaving her job.
In 1973, the entrepreneur took part in The Battle of Versatile Fashion Show as an assistant. Anne died in 1974. After her previous owner died, Karan was hired by the Takihyo Corporation of Japan. She took over as head designer alongside her friend Louis Dell’ Ollio. She left the firm in 1984 and founded Stephan Weiss and Takihyo Corporation. The designer’s first collection was released in 1985.
Her Essentials Line made her famous. Jersey dresses and Lycra tights were designed by the designer. She founded Donna Karan New York, a less expensive clothing line designed specifically for younger women. After two years, she launched DKNY Jeans, a denim-inspired collection. The men’s collection debuted in 1992, followed by the signature collection a year later.
She stepped down as CEO of the company in 1997. Karan was the chairwoman and designer for the Donna Karan Line. She has worked less in design since 2002. In the 1990s, the fashion designer debuted her failed fragrance collection. Karan stepped down from all positions at the company to focus on her own brand, Urban Zen, which she founded in 2007.
Achievements and Awards
Karan has received numerous awards for her work as a fashion designer. She received the Coty American Fashion Critics Award in 1977 and 1982. In 1984, the entrepreneur was inducted into the Coty Hall of Fame. The Council of Fashion Designers of America named Donna Menswear Designer of the Year. In 1985, 1986, and 1987, the fashion designer received three CFDA awards.
Donna Karan’s Wife, Marriage & Relationship
In 1976, Donna married Mark Karan. They have a daughter together. The couple divorced after two years of marriage. After five years, she married Stephan Weiss. Her husband later became a co-CEO of the Donna Karan Company. Her husband died of lung cancer in 2001.
Donna Karan’s Salary and Net Worth
Donna Karan’s net worth is $550 million as of January 2023. She made money by selling trademarks. The designer owned property in Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands. The property is worth $39 million. LVMH purchased the company in 2000. The designer is focusing her efforts on her lifestyle brand, Urban Zen. The designer was dubbed “The Queen of Seventh Avenue.”
Quick Facts
Celebrated Name | Donna Karan |
Real Name | Donna Karan |
Gender | Female |
Age | 74 years old |
Birth Date | October 02, 1948 |
Birth Place | New York City, United States |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 ft 5 in |
Weight | 54kg |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Husband | Stephen Weiss |
Children | Yes (Gabby Karan De Felice and Corey Weiss) |
Dating | N/A |
Profession | Fashion Designer and the Creator |
Salary | No |
Net Worth | $550 million |
Brands | N/A |
Hobbies | N/A |