OverDressed for Life

Donna Karan top right in the 1980s with models sporting her line.

Donna Karan is a part of me — past, present and future. It has been an honor to speak woman to woman about ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ that forever changed the way women dress.

– Fashion designer Donna Karan.

Ms. Karan announced last week that she is stepping down as chief designer from her namesake brand, which she founded with her husband in 1984. Later in 1996 the company went public and then in 2001 LVMH Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton bought all outstanding shares.

The Donna Karan brand was a favorite of women in the 1980s when she designed the basic jersey bodysuit and other pieces to coordinate – called Seven Easy Pieces. She was thought of at the time as a lifestyle designer, not just a designer of clothes. Frankly, I don’t see how the brand can continue without her.

Ms. Karan says she now wants to devote more time to her other line, Urban Zen.

It’s the end of a fashionable era.