FollowThere are leaders in the fashion industry who are pioneers in their respective fields as well as innovators in the hybrid field of fashion and philanthropy; Donna Karan is one such authority.
Karan’s colorful upbringing is a large contributor to why she is now one of the most recognizable names in fashion. Born on October 2nd, 1948 in a New York hospital as Donna Ivy Faske, Karan grew up with a model mother and suit designer stepfather and who influenced Karan from a young age. Karan was accepted to the prestigious Parsons School Of Design, and by the time she was at fashion school she had already started selling her own designs at boutiques.
While attending school, Karan managed to land a summer job at Anne Klein and within two years she was named associate designer. Karan’s talent was so prominent and impressive that by 26 she was head designer. She was already married to her first husband Mark Karan, and under her the Anne Klein label bloomed. It wasn’t until after Karan’s divorce, however, that she set out to start her own label. In 1985, with the support of her second husband Stephen Weiss, Karan debuted her first collection and she’s been turning heads ever since. It wasn’t long after the launch of her namesake line that Donna Karan New York (DKNY) was born. The line, inspired by Karan’s daughter Gabby, catered to the younger woman with her own city slick aesthetic. Donna Karan and DKNY are the perfect fit for the power woman who wants to look good without sacrificing her own style or personality.
While Karan’s relevance in the ever-changing fashion industry is admirable in itself, what is even more commendable is her consistent effort to give back to the community and to the world at large. When fellow fashion designer Perry Ellis was diagnosed with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), Karan decided something had to be done about the epidemic, even though she had not seen many other efforts. Karan also helped create the “Seventh on Sale” event, a sample sale to benefit AIDS research. She used her influence to pull together prominent forces from the fashion industry to help the effort. Karan has also helped create other events such as Super Saturdays in the Hampton’s which is a high end designer flea market that was created after Liz Tilberis, an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Karan has been awarded numerous prizes for her incredible humanitarian efforts, including six from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Karan’s actions are a true inspiration and are helping to bridge the schism between fashion and philanthropy.
Perhaps what is most prominent in Karan’s resume as a philanthropist is her ongoing support of Haiti, its artisans and its artists. Karan’s many travels to Haiti are coupled with the support of her foundation, Urban Zen. When Karan’s husband Stephen was diagnosed with lung cancer, he turned to Donna’s holistic healing approaches for help. Donna had always been versed in alternatives methods of healing and well-being such as yoga, reiki and oil therapy. She used these treatments to help her husband with his pain. Western medicine paired with Iyengar yoga four times a week helped Stephen breathe while acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage and essential oil therapy helped him feel renewed in body, mind and soul. Although Stephen lost his battle to lung cancer in 2001, Karan was still inspired by the approach to medicine that they had practiced. Karan realized action was needed to create a different approach to medicine in the west and thus, Urban Zen was born. An eastern healing meets western medicine approach defines Urban Zen and its mission to empower students to bring these techniques to patients. Urban Zen doesn’t solely focus on integrative techniques; it also is dedicated to preserving culture and working with Haiti directly.
Urban Zen and Donna Karan see immense potential in Haiti and its people. Just like UCOF is passionate about carrying out philanthropy work on this island, Karan is passionate about preserving its thriving arts. The Haiti Artisan project is Urban Zen’s mode to fulfill its mission of bringing Haiti’s art to the west. Urban Zen is constantly working to help Haiti’s artisans become recognized as the incredible force that they are. Urban Zen not only supports Haitian art and culture, but it also helps with disaster relief. After the devastating earthquake in 2010, the foundation launched the Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti (HHRH) program. Donna Karan is a perfect example of an influential woman at the forefront of her field who is using her authority and voice to help create a better world. Karan and Urban Zen are empowering Haiti and its people by giving them and their art a voice, and having thousands and thousands of people listen.
Donna Karan is a wonderful exemplar of the kind of asset to the community that United Colors of Fashion hopes to create. She is the type of designer and philanthropist who isn’t playing by any preconceived rules, and who uses her influence to create inspired action. Karan’s vision to integrate Eastern healing with Western medicine coupled with her immense passion for the people and arts of Haiti align perfectly with UCOF’s vision to empower youth through fashion and to help those in Haiti as well. With the help of UCOF, there will be many more incredible and necessary philanthropists like Donna Karan in the world
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