Donna Karan’s approach to design has been a recurring topic of conversation on our Journal and an ongoing source of design inspiration for Natalie. From a 2012 Journal post:

Karan became a presence in the fashion world as the women’s rights movement found its footing in the 1970s and women began working in the business world in greater numbers. Most designers didn’t know how to dress this burgeoning new population of professionals. You saw women dressed in double-breasted suits with tight skirts, wide shoulders, and, often, pin stripes. Virginia Slims adverts of the time showed images of women in suits – straight, lean, no curves, nothing womanly at first glance. The models could easily have been men.” 

“Donna Karan changed that. She cut clothes that she would want to wear, that fit her own lifestyle as a designer and businesswoman….Under the Donna Karan label, she took a thoughtful approach to women’s professional dress. She famously created a wardrobe base for the professional woman, which she called “Seven Easy Pieces.” It included pieces that women could easily mix and match for any number of occasions.

With the same thoughtful approach, we introduce new core basic styles to our current Collection.

We’ve added a three-quarter sleeve option to our Keyhole Dress and Keyhole Tunic. This a-line style flows nicely and has a key-hole detail at the neckline. It also features side-seam pockets, deep enough to fit a set of keys or other small objects.

Our Wide-Leg Pants are now offered in a cropped version: The Crop Pant. This wide-leg style of pants is introduced as warmer weather approaches. These pants are fun, casual, and have a comfortable fit.

The Moto Jacket and The Moto Coat feature darts at the bust and snap closures at the cuffs. The jacket hits at the hip, while the coat has a dramatic length.

Our newest cardigan, The Kate Cardigan, is an open-front jacket meant for everyday wear. And our newest machine-sewn core style is The Short Sleeve Rib Dress, which has a new sleeve length variation in addition to the sleeveless and long sleeve options.

Find our current styles, along with other core basics and featured pieces, in our Collection.