Donna Karan caused a stir in the industry on Wednesday after she announced that she would be stepping down as chief designer of her eponymous label, Donna Karan International. The 66-year-old revealed that she would be leaving with immediate effect but would still be an advisor for the brand.
Donna Karan is stepping down as chief designer of her label
The designer admitted in a statement that she has chosen to leave so that she can focus on her new lifestyle brand, Urban Zen.
"LVMH and I have made this decision after much soul-searching," read the statement. "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 and follow my vision of philanthropy and commerce with a focus on healthcare, education and preservation of cultures.
"After considering the right time to take this step for several years, I feel confident that DKI has a bright future and a strong team in place."
The company have since revealed that they are currently not looking for a replacement for Donna, and that they will not be presenting a Spring/Summer 2016 catwalk show at New York Fashion Week in September.
Donna will continue to have an advisory role within the brand
The label also posted a statement on Instagram addressing the fashion icon's departure, alongside a picture of the lady herself.
"After much thoughtful discussion and in partnership with Donna Karan International and LVMH, our visionary founder, Donna Karan, has made a personal decision to step down from her day-to-day responsibilities as Chief Designer for Donna Karan International," read the statement. "She will remain with the company in an advisory role and will dedicate her focus on her Urban Zen Company and foundation, which she founded in 2007."
The statement went on to praise Donna as "an icon, visionary designer and passionate philanthropist".
The label posted a statement about the designer's departure on Instagram
"Over the past three decades, Donna Karan has inspired women around the world to embrace their power and sensuality. When she started her collection in 1985 she set out to simply make clothes for her and her friends. A little collection of simple black pieces that was all about need and desire. She quickly found out that she wasn't alone- she had a lot of friends out there. Her philosophy of a sophisticated system of dressing, 'her seven easy pieces' revolutionised the working woman's wardrobe.
"Donna Karan is an icon, visionary designer and a passionate philanthropist. She believes in dressing and addressing women. Her impact on American fashion has been extraordinary and she will continue to influence and inspire for years to come.
"We honor Donna today and always. We look forward to celebrating her past, present and future in her memoir, which is due out in October 2015."