Donna Karan is an iconic fashion designer and the renowned creator of the clothing label DKNY, which stands for Donna Karan New York. Donna Ivy Faske in real life, she was born in Forest Hills in New York. Donna grew up in Long Island, living with her stepfather- tailor. Her mother meanwhile was a model. Donna attended Hewlett High School and proceeded to study design in college. She aborted college and chose to have a job with Anne Klein. She rose from the ranks to become chief of the design team of Anne Klein. She held the position until 1989. It was during that time that she released the Essentials line, including her very popular "Seven Easy Pieces." Donna married Mark Karan during the beginning of the 1970s. When Donna gave birth to her daughter named Gabrielle in 1974, her employer, Anne Klein, passed away.

DKNY is a worldwide phenomenon in fashion. But its European arm was almost in peril during the ‘90s when inferior quality and defective logistics paved the way for the creation of a supply center located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. DKNY was to show off their collection during the Milan fashion week sometime in 1996 but backed out at the last moment.

While managing her global clothing brand, Donna is also busy with her philanthropic work. She has found many charities like the Urban Zen initiative. Last March 14-15, 2008, Donna conducted an extensive sale of her personal stuff plus vintage company samples to benefit her initiative.