It has been announced that American fashion icon Donna Karan is to step down from her own company after more than 30 years at the helm.
This comes as the fashion designer will be focussing on her Urban Zen line which concentrates on wellness and artisanal goods.
Ms Karan will continue to be an adviser to Donna Karan International. LVMH, which bought the company in 2001, commented that a replacement is not on the cards at the moment. They also announced that the main Donna Karan collection is going to be suspended and it will not be at New York Fashion Week in September.
On an Instagram statement, the brand said: "After much thoughtful discussion and in partnership with Donna Karan International (DKI) and MHLV [Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton], 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."
The Instagram post continued: "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' revolutionized the working woman's wardrobe."
Ms Karan added: “LVMH and I have made this decision after much soul-searching. 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.”
