DKNY Jeans | Jeans by DKNY

Shop DKNY Jeans. History of DKNY Jeans.

dkny_logo“Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul,” says Donna Karan, chief designer of DKNY, which stands for Donna Karan New York. “For me, designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the complications, feelings and emotions.” True enough, her design aspirations have translated into the runway success she enjoys today.

Born of a tailor father and showroom model, Karan found her niche in fashion early on. Her first collection and runway show took place while she was in high school. As a sophomore in the famed Parson’s School of Design, she was taken in by renowned designer Anne Klein. When Klein died in 1974, Karan, who spent three years as the company’s associate designer, was named as heir to the fashion line. After 10 years of designing for Anne Klein, she decided to make a name for herself, thus the founding of DKNY in 1984.
The label was established by Karan and her late husband, Stephan Weiss. The New York-based label was a challenge to her, whose aim was to combine luxury and comfort without jeopardizing the style of her garments. Her philosophy regarding design is that her “creations begin and end with the body – its sensual expression, sense of security, and freedom of movement.”

Teen Icon Rachel Bilson designed a junior sportswear line for the brand named “Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans.”

Teen Icon Rachel Bilson designed a junior sportswear line for the brand named “Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans.”

So why is New York included in the label? Karan believes that the city “sets the pace and the attitude.”
She bases her designs on “seven easy pieces.” She dotes on creating garments which are interchangeable and can be worn together to create a chameleon of a look. Karan prides herself in making pieces which can transform flawlessly from morning to evening, from office wear to date wear, whatever season it is. Trademark DKNY pieces include leather, stretch, black cashmere, sculpting silhouettes, and molded fabrics Karan herself have developed.

She believes that the clothes she designs are not just about garments – it’s more of a lifestyle. Karan designs her collections by envisioning the modern, everyday woman, dressed in her garments from head to toe. The DKNY brand includes apparel shoes, bags and other accessories.

In fact, her desire to dress a woman from top to bottom gave birth to a number of DKNY accessories. Her answers to her own questions, “How do I dress the leg?” “What’s the right bra?” and “What’s the perfect glasses?” gave birth to the DKNY Hosiery, Intimates, Eyewear and Accessories. True enough, DKNY is a one-stop shop for a busy, chic woman.

Since its debut in 1984, the brand has branched out into many sub-labels, such as PURE, DKNY Jeans, DKNY Active, and DKNY Underwear. Her kids and grandkids in fact inspired her to create DKNY Juniors, DKNY Kids, and DKNY Baby.

Heroes Star Ali Larter is just one of the many celebrity endorsers of DKNY’s Be Delicious fragrance.

Heroes Star Ali Larter is just one of the many celebrity endorsers of DKNY’s Be Delicious fragrance.

In 1992, Karan recognized the clothing needs of the men in the world – her late husband most importantly – and created DKNY Men. With the inspiration of her father, a custom tailor, the menswear line offered suits, dress wear, casual wear, formal wear, sports wear, and shoes. The very same year, she launched the DKNY Beauty Collection, which is famous for its skin care products and famous fragrances. Karan’s Beauty Collection flourished under the stewardship of her husband, who designed the perfume bottles and jars as well.

In 1996, DKNY became a publicly-traded venture. The following year, the label’s flagship store opened in London. In 1999, Karan opened a store in New York – along Madison Avenue and 60th Street. Two years later, Karan opened her DKNY boutique along West Broadway in SoHo.

Six years later, DKNY became a member of the LVMH family, or Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton, a French clothing corporation. While under the LVHM, Karan created the DKNY Home Collection and DKNY Life, which consists of classic and modern beddings and accessories respectively.

The year 2002 was monumental in Karan’s domination of the worldwide web, when she launched Stardoll.com, wherein users can buy and dress up their avatars in DKNY garments. In 2003, DKNY permanently etched its name in New York when Karan opened her premiere flagship store at 819 Madison Avenue.

DKNY widened its horizons by launching the online shopping feature in its website in 2005. Products sold in the DKNY online store range from the DKNY line, DKNY Jeans Women’s wear, Accessories, Underwear, Shoes, Baby Clothing, PURE Collection. In 2007, the DKNY Men’s wear was added to the online selection, completing to the men’s repertoire of jeans, underwear, eyewear, and watches which have been available in the website 2 years before.

Currently, there are over 100 DKNY, DKNY Jeans, and Donna Karan Collection stores worldwide. There are about 20 stores in China, Hong Kong and Shanghai, 4 in Dubai, and 2 boutiques in Vancouver and Montreal in Canada.

Now, as DKNY celebrates its 25th year in the fashion biz, Karan continues to design chic and comfortable clothing which has been the toast of the town for a quarter of a century now, and indubitably, a quarter of a century more.