A Fond Farewell to Donna Karan

When I checked my Twitter feed a couple of days ago, I did not expect to hear the surprising news that Donna Karan was stepping down as chief director of her self titled company, Donna Karan. I mean she's only 66, Karl Lagerfeld is still going and he's 81, but Karan has stated that she wants to focus more on her philanthropic duties, which of course is understandable. Yet, her presence at NYFW will be missed. Her big grin as she comes out for her bow at the end of the show and the way in which she spoke so passionately about her clothes. Then there are her incredible collections. All New York glam but with a more practical twist. It's fair to say that I'm a fan!

Donna started her fashion company way back in 1984 and was the designer of the 90's with her sexy, power dressing wardrobe. She said that a woman only needs 7 key pieces in her wardrobe in order to look good, and that was it. Think tailored jackets, pencil skirts, crisp white shirts and sexy stilettos - every working woman of the 90s was inspired by Donna Karan and like many great designers, she left her mark on the way which we dress.

In 2001, the luxury fashion group LVMH invested considerably in the company and helped it grow into the empire it is today. Perfumes, sunglasses, scarves, bags etc. the list goes on. DKNY became one of the most sought after and popular brands in the world with the likes of Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne modelling campaigns for them. And as for the perfumes, well they are like the most well known on the planet.'Be Delicious' as modeled by Lara Stone, the famous 'DKNY' perfume campaign starring Anja Rubik kissing her boyfriend on the top of a New York taxi and the fresh 'Pure DK' fragrance.

Okay, lets stop reminiscing about the good old times, but Donna Karan really was a visionary and so respected by many. Her most recent collections have certainly got my seal of approval with all the majestic, khaki colours and amazingly flattering silhouettes. Everything was always so natural and clean, the clothes especially the dresses were stunning and very womanly and as for the accessories; they were so beautiful. All the top models walked for her and all the most glam celebrities were perched on the front row. what i find surprising about Karan's exit, is that no new creative director has yet been named and the brand will not show at NYFW in September. Let just hope they don't discontinue the company...

The designer said in a statement: "Donna Karan New York is a part of me, past, present and future," she said in the statement. "It has been an honour to speak woman to woman about seven easy pieces that forever changed the way women dress...I have arrived at a point in my life where I need to spend more time to pursue my Urban Zen commitment to its fullest potential."

Let's take a look back at some of Karan's most iconic moments!