Donna Karan Quotes

Powerful Donna Karan for Daily Growth

About Donna Karan

Donna Karan, an iconic figure in the fashion industry, was born on October 2, 1948, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. Raised by her parents, Geraldine and Henry Karan, she developed a deep affection for sewing and design at a young age. Her career took off when she worked as a designer's assistant in the legendary Manhattan fashion district, where she honed her skills and learned the intricacies of the fashion world. In 1984, Karan co-founded the luxury brand, Donna Karan New York, with a mission to create practical yet elegant clothing for women. Her first collection, Seven Easy Pieces, was an instant success, offering versatile separates that could be mixed and matched effortlessly. This innovative approach revolutionized the fashion industry, setting a precedent for casual yet stylish workwear. Karan's designs were heavily influenced by her own experiences as a working woman who needed practical, yet chic clothing solutions. She often drew inspiration from the urban landscape of New York City and sought to empower women through her designs. Her designs were characterized by their simplicity, comfort, and elegance, embodying her philosophy of dressing "from the inside out." In addition to Donna Karan New York, she also founded the highly successful diffusion lines DKNY (Donna Karan New York) and DKNY Jeans. Her influence extended beyond fashion, as she was a staunch advocate for breast cancer research and women's empowerment, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for these causes. Throughout her illustrious career, Donna Karan has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the CFDA's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Her designs continue to inspire generations of fashion enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I believe in the power of black. It's slimming."

Donna Karan's quote highlights the cultural and psychological significance of the color black, particularly in fashion. By stating "I believe in the power of black," she acknowledges that black is a powerful and versatile color, capable of creating an impression of elegance, sophistication, and slenderness on the wearer. The notion of black being "slimming" reflects the perception that this dark hue can visually minimize one's figure by absorbing light and creating a streamlined appearance. In essence, Donna Karan expresses her conviction in the ability of black clothing to enhance self-confidence and perceived attractiveness by concealing flaws and accentuating positive aspects.


"When you put on a piece of clothing, it should be like putting on a comforting pair of slippers."

This quote by Donna Karan suggests that clothing, much like a comfortable pair of slippers, should provide an element of comfort and ease to the wearer. It implies that fashion isn't just about aesthetics but also about how the garment feels and fits on the body. In other words, clothing should enhance one's comfort and well-being, making it easier for individuals to express themselves without discomfort or constraint.


"The more simple, the better. If I can't wear it with a T-shirt and jeans, I'd rather forget it."

Donna Karan's quote emphasizes her preference for simplicity in fashion design. She believes that clothing should be versatile enough to be paired with casual essentials like a T-shirt and jeans, rather than being overly complex or specialized. This perspective suggests a focus on timeless, functional, and effortless style that can accommodate different occasions and settings.


"To me, fashion is a form of self-expression and autobiography."

This quote by Donna Karan suggests that fashion isn't merely about clothing or trends; it's a means to express one's individuality, identity, or personal story. Fashion choices can reflect an individual's values, culture, personality, or experiences, making each person's style unique and telling their own 'autobiography'. In essence, fashion serves as a vehicle for self-expression and self-discovery, allowing people to communicate aspects of themselves to the world around them.


"Everything in life has a beginning and an end - don't cling to what was or fear what could be."

This quote emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness. It suggests that every aspect of life, whether positive or negative, has its own lifespan, and it is important not to hold onto past experiences excessively nor fear the future. Instead, we should learn from our past and approach the future with openness, understanding that change is inevitable and growth can only occur when we let go and move forward.


Basically, I was a hippie and still am a flower child.

- Donna Karan

Still, Basically, Am, Hippie

My mother was a working woman, and I was alone a lot. So I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.

- Donna Karan

Mother, Alone, Lot, Stay-At-Home Mom

I'm truly, truly boring! I don't change. If people know me, I have not changed.

- Donna Karan

Change, Me, Boring, Changed

I think I was a nomad in another life.

- Donna Karan

Think, I Think, Another, Nomad

It used to be only yoga, but now I do Pilates as well; I feel like I need the balance.

- Donna Karan

Need, Like, Yoga, Pilates

I start my day with a mind, body, soul practice - yoga, Pilates or meditation.

- Donna Karan

Soul, Mind, Practice, Pilates

I love building spaces: architecture, furniture, all of it, probably more than fashion. The development procedure is more tactile. It's about space and form and it's something you can share with other people.

- Donna Karan

Love, Architecture, Other, Spaces

Scheduling me is not easy, as most people know, because once I start, I don't stop.

- Donna Karan

Stop, Most, Once, Scheduling

I give Reiki, which is energy, but I don't tell too many people that.

- Donna Karan

Give, Which, Too, Too Many People

When I first started designing, all women were dressed like men, and I said, 'Hey, guys, let's be women, put the two together - it's not either/or. Let's celebrate our bodies. Our bodies are different.'

- Donna Karan

Two, Bodies, All Women, Hey

If it's a regular day, I won't wear any makeup, just leave my hair down and head out to the car.

- Donna Karan

Makeup, Wear, Any, Regular

When I started Donna Karan, people weren't really accepting the idea of the working woman.

- Donna Karan

Woman, Idea, Were, Accepting

I really feel that we need to scale back and get to what is important on so many levels.

- Donna Karan

Important, Need, Many Levels, Levels

We've come a long way. Power dressing now is designed to let the woman inside us come through.

- Donna Karan

Woman, Through, Come, Designed

You don't have that much choice in your life, which is one of the big lessons I've learned. I was going to be a designer whether I wanted to be a designer or not.

- Donna Karan

Big, Which, Learned, Lessons

I always thought what you wore underneath was as important as what you wear on top.

- Donna Karan

Thought, Important, Always, Underneath

Evening is a time of real experimentation. You never want to look the same way.

- Donna Karan

Never, Experimentation, Same, Evening

I truly believe that philanthropy and commerce can work together.

- Donna Karan

Work, Believe, Work Together, Philanthropy

My daughter Gabby very kindly once said that she thinks I was a better mother because I was doing a job I loved. I now think guilt is a universal part of being a mother. I used to think it was Jewish-mother guilt but now I think it is working-mother guilt.

- Donna Karan

Doing, I Think, Very, Kindly

I love skiing, I love the sun, I love my children, I love my grandchildren, I love my family and friends... and whatever I haven't done.

- Donna Karan

Love, Grandchildren, Skiing, Family And Friends

Business, numbers, negotiations, all that stuff I wouldn't go near.

- Donna Karan

Business, Numbers, Go, Negotiations

Originally, back in 1992, DKNY started because I couldn't find a pair of jeans. I also wanted to dress my teenage daughter Gabby. So it was the perfect street wardrobe: jeans, anoraks, jumpsuits, boyfriend jackets, sweaters, skirts and dresses. Then DKNY grew into an entire lifestyle concept, including tailored clothes you wear to work.

- Donna Karan

Dress, Perfect, Tailored, Lifestyle

I design from instinct. It's the only way I know how to live. What feels good. What feels right. What is needed. Give me a problem and I will approach it creatively, from my gut.

- Donna Karan

Give, Will, Feels, Creatively

I believe in comfort. If you don't feel comfortable in your clothes, it's hard to think of anything else.

- Donna Karan

Believe, Think, Feel, I Believe In

Age and size are only numbers. It's the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference.

- Donna Karan

Numbers, Size, Only, Clothes

I'm a nature bug.

- Donna Karan

Nature, Bug

It's really easy to get colors right. It's really hard to get black - and neutrals - right. Black is certainly a color but it's also an illusion.

- Donna Karan

Color, Black, Certainly, Neutral

I'd rather promote New York than anything else in this world because New York to me means the world.

- Donna Karan

New, Rather, Means, Promote

Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!

- Donna Karan

Positive, Negative, Delete

I wouldn't be who I am without my husband, who handled the business end of Donna Karan so I could be creative.

- Donna Karan

Business, Husband, Could, Creative

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