There are some things for me that are just quintessentially New York. One of them is bagels (which I am eating here) another is Donna Karan. One of a handful of women designers and heads of houses (her few peers include Diane von Furstenberg and Vivienne Westwood) she incorporated the New York city vibe in her clothes and in her branding. She offered all black collections with easy drapes and comfortable jerseys. Her clothes were unfussy, minimalist yet elegant and chic. I adored and wore endlessly her bodysuits. She designed for an urban woman who worked, had a family yet wanted to be fashionable and feminine. With her DKNY line she was one of the first mainstream designers to embrace streetwear, introducing leggings and oversize t’s as something one could actually wear when leaving the house and going downtown to play.
Last year, Donna Karan announced she would be stepping down from DKNY and Public School’s Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow, whose line is heavily influenced by streetwear, would be stepping in as creative directors for the line. How they have carried on the tradition is another example of what can happen when a new perspective is applied to what has been unarguably iconic. The review of the first collection post-Donna (Spring 2016) indicated a great deal of respect by the duo, but with the way they play with shirting, mens fabrics (as did she), tailoring and deconstruction it was clear they have added a new “perspective” to her iconic New York look. As I headed downtown to play and get the best bagel ever I am wearing their white poplin shirtdress.
See the Spring/Summer 2016 DKNY collection here and let me know what you think of the new direction.
As a long time Donna fan(atic) I have been following the transition with interest and some trepidation. Unfortunately, and as usually happens, the best and most unique styles from the runway do not make it to the racks. Even on their DKNY website, to which I have email-subscribed, the exaggerated shoulder jackets, prints and lots of the high-low silhouettes are absent or unrecognizably watered down. Ah well. There’s always next season. I hope it will not be a Vetements imitation again and will truly reflect what Donna would be wearing and designing now if she were at the helm. In the meantime, we can always shop her own new line.
I think looking at Fall 2016 it may be a bit of the bandwagon. But there were times Donna did some exaggerated shapes herself.
It’s from a place called Russ & Daughters. It is a very old shop so having that name is unique. It specializes in caviar, lox and salmon and special spreads. The bagels are hand rolled.
Just not overly impressed as yet but suppose time will tell.
Now the more important issue is what makes that bagel so DELISH?
Kat.
It’s from a place called Russ & Daughters. It is a very old shop so having that name is unique. It specializes in caviar, lox and salmon and special spreads. The bagels are hand rolled.
Yes her stuff was a little less tailored. This duo is known for their tailoring.
I see a couple of things I would buy.( the items that are more fluid) . The past DKNY looked more comfortable.
Yes her stuff was a little less tailored. This duo is known for their tailoring.
I have taken wearing pants under short and even not so short dresses as of course I am obsessed with layering. In this photo I am wearing graphic leggings. It’s an option if you like a short piece.
Interesting variations on the shirt but rather too many very short garments
I have taken wearing pants under short and even not so short dresses as of course I am obsessed with layering. In this photo I am wearing graphic leggings. It’s an option if you like a short piece.
Bagels in NY! Love it! I have to agree with Sarah too short. Noticed some amazing pieces there. Thank you!
If you like it there are ways to make it work.
I agree. Her clothes Were sometimes described as having soft power. I thought pretty sexy too.
Bagels in NY! Love it! I have to agree with Sarah too short. Noticed some amazing pieces there. Thank you!
If you like it there are ways to make it work.
Lyn,
I like it, I like the collection, but I’m a little bit afraid that things are going to move away from what I always loved about Donna Karan. For me she was fiercely female without being "feminine," and that, I think, is unique. Anita
I agree. Her clothes Were sometimes described as having soft power. I thought pretty sexy too.
Yes number one must have for me is comfort and her drapes were her trademark.
I’ve had a few of the more fluid DKNY pieces over the years and really liked them. I hope they don’t abandon the knits and more fluid pieces, which were what drew me to the brand initially.
Yes number one must have for me is comfort and her drapes were her trademark.