The Daughter of a fashion model and a haberdasher, Karan was steeped in fashion from childhood. She attended Parsons School of Design, after her second year took a summer job with Anne Klein, and never returned to school. She was fired by Klein after nine months, went to work for another sportswear house, returned to Klein in 1968. She was made associate designer in 1971. When Anne Klein became ill, Karan became head designer and asked Louis Dell'Olio, a school friend, to join her as co-designer. In 1984, Karan was given her own firm by Takihyo Corporation of Japan, Anne Klein's parent company.
While it is impossible to separate her designs at Anne Klein from Dell'Olio's, their hallmark has always been wearability - classic sportswear looks with a stylish edge - terrific blazers, well-cut pants, strong coats, sarong skirts, casy dresses. And an element of tough chic.
Karan's first collection under her own label established her immediately as a new fashion star. It was limited in size, based on a bodysuit over which went long or short skirts, blouses, pants, to make a complete, integrated wardrobe. These were combined with well-tailored coats and bold accessories, everything made of luxurious materials. As the clothes followed the body closely without excess detail or overt sexiness, the effect was both spare and sensuous. Her idea was to design only clothes and accessories she would wear herself - the best of everything for a woman who, like her, is a mother, a traveller, perhaps a business owner, someone who doesn't have time to shop. They are definitely in the status category.
Some of her current lines include the Donna Karan collection, DKNY Essentials, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, and DKNY Tech.
In May 1987, she was awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree by Parsons.
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