Donna Karan is an American fashion designer. Born in Queens, New York City, Karan was introduced to the fashion industry at a young age thanks to her mother’s work as a model.

Karan cultivated her artistic eye throughout her childhood and zeroed in on her talent at the Parsons School of Design after highschool.

Following her graduation, Karan began working as an assistant for Anne Klein, quickly rising the ranks to the head of of Klein’s design team. She stayed in that position until she launched the Donna Karan label in 1984. The clothing label became well known for focusing on easy and less expensive clothing for young women, with style that are easy to mix and match. Before moving to her role as chairmen at the end of the 1990s the brand branched off into men’s clothing as well.

Karan has won many awards including  the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, and CFDA Founders Award.