Donna Karan takes a tearful bow at the end of her 30th anniversary collection show
For those of us that have been Donna Karan followers since her first “easy pieces” collection hit the stores back in 1984, it is hard to believe that this woman that epitomizes New York City in all it’s best style and glam, is actually having the 30th anniversary of her business. I remember, how nostalgic I felt when I wrote about her for Culture Map when she was celebrating her 25th anniversary. (how could that have been 5 years?) Please click on to read the story if you are a fan, as I wrote it from a fan’s point-of-view, and recalled how the phenomenon that is Donna, came to be and why she was so memorable to me. I loved so many of the things that were designed for that independent woman who is confident, competent and has the great city of New York as her backdrop.
This collection had sizzle, and smoldered in sophisticated sex appeal. She never forgets her iconic bodysuit but also showed her love for jackets through much luxe layering…..blazers over beaded tulle, belted winter jackets over sheer, sequined ball gown skirts (a trend I’ve been hot on for a couple of seasons now!), great sexy dresses….was all there! There were basically no pants, skirts I loved were sheer (love that look w/a jacket) and used many shorts and short skirts with thigh high boots that had just the right edge. The color pallet was also very urban….lots of black on black or with pops of white, grey or gold and ending with a beautiful shade of red, shown tonally head to toe!
She was quoted as saying that this was not a retrospective on her but a tribute to the city that made her. You could see her and that city in each outfit which could easily have stood alone. A special memory was to see those long velvet devore gowns as we saw Demi Moore wear back in 1996.
The following are some of my favorites from what I saw online from the show….again, I only wish I were there, there is a great energy from attending Donna’s shows live and the front row is always chocked full of celebs and family (her daughter, Gabby is shown with her Mom below). Such excitement!
DONNA KARAN FALL/WINTER 2014 30TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION….
All images via Style.com
Donna Karan is the epitome of NYC style…..can’t believe what all she has accomplished in 30 years, never disappoints. I love the styles you’ve shown!
Loved your coverage of Donna Karan, always been a favorite of ours; still great after all these years.
LOVE Donna. LOVE this post. She’s so fabulous, as are her incredible designs.
So amazing that she has been so successful for 30 years! Congrats DKNY