1948-
Fashion Designer

Beginnings.

Donna Karan was literally born into the world of fashion in 1948. Her father was a tailor and her mother a model and showroom representative. She designed her first collection in high school. Karan attended the Parson's School of Design, but dropped out after her second year to join Anne Klein. She was fired nine months later and went to work for another sportswear house. She returned to Klein in 1968, however, and became an associate designer in 1971. When Karan was named head designer in 1973 she asked her school friend Louis Dell 'Olio to join her as co-designer. Together, they created a classic, yet stylish, sportswear look. Her early training and connections helped in forming her own company. Karan and her husband, Stephan Weiss, founded Donna Karan New York in 1984; Klein's parent company, Takihyo Corporation, backed the new firm. By the end of the...