Donna Karan
G-III Apparel Group · United States
Donna Karan is an American fashion company founded in 1984 in New York by designer Donna Karan and Stephan Weiss. It is known for the Donna Karan New York collection and the DKNY line, and is now owned by G-III Apparel Group.
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Donna Karan and Stephan Weiss |
| Based in | New York, United States |
| Owner | G-III Apparel Group since 2016 |
| Lines | Donna Karan New York, DKNY |
| Website | donnakaran.com |
What is Donna Karan?
Donna Karan is an American fashion brand founded in 1984 by designer Donna Karan with her late husband, Stephan Weiss, and based in New York. The company was offered the chance to start independently by Takihyo, then owner of Anne Klein.
History
The Donna Karan New York mainline launched in 1985 and the DKNY diffusion line followed in 1989, with DKNY Men in 1992. The company went public in 1996, and LVMH bought it in 2001. Karan left as chief designer in 2015, and in 2016 LVMH sold the Donna Karan and DKNY brands to G-III Apparel Group.
Products and positioning
Over time the business extended well beyond womenswear.
- Donna Karan New York and DKNY apparel
- DKNY Jeans, Active, Underwear, Juniors and Kids
- Donna Karan Beauty fragrances, from 1992
- Donna Karan Home and DKNY Home, from 2001
Distribution
Since the 2016 sale the brands have been operated by G-III, with around 70 Donna Karan and DKNY stores worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Donna Karan?
Designer Donna Karan founded the company in 1984 with her husband, Stephan Weiss, in New York.
Who owns Donna Karan?
Donna Karan and DKNY have been owned by G-III Apparel Group since 2016, when LVMH sold the brands.