Photo:  Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN

The fashion world is spinning after it was announced that Donna Karan is stepping down from her eponymous fashion line.

The designer revolutionized American fashion with her clothing, and her retirement comes right after one of her most successful collections at New York Fashion Week earlier this year. It is not a huge surprise that Karan stepped donw, as she just named the duo behind Public School, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, as the creative directors of her brand. However, when it comes to her successor, no names have been mentioned, and her runway shows and collections have been suspended.

Karan decided to take the time to focus on another of her endeavors: her Urban Zen company and foundation.

“LVMH and I have made this decision after much soul-searching,” said Karan. “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 health care, 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.”

Karan founded her company Donna Karan International in 1984 with her husband, and built it into a fashion empire. In 2001, LVMH paid $234 million for all outstanding shares in DKI and $400 million for all Donna Karan trademarks.

In her last collection, deemed one of her best by WWD, it was said, “The opening look might as well have been a chic sandwich board heralding, ‘I’m back!… “spectacular outerwear,” dresses and blouses with volume, untricky layers, and “two black strapless evening gowns that were better than beautiful.” She recently opened a training center in Haiti. 

Photo: SIPA/WENN

And Karan was definitely a favorite of celebs including Diane Kruger, Kerry Washington and Nina Dobrev.

When it comes to Urban Zen, the company is all about “seasonless basics in a neutral color palette and corresponding jewelry, accessories and home decor handmade by artisans employed by Urban Zen. A yoga line will be launched in the fall. Many of the goods are produced in Haiti, Thailand and Bali.”

While Karan will continue being a force in the fashion world, stepping down was not an easy decision, and her absence will definitely be felt.

“Donna Karan is a part of me, past, present and future,” Karan said. “It has been an honor to speak woman to woman about ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ that forever changed the way women dress. I want to express my gratitude and my deepest feelings to the dozens and dozens of colleagues over the years who have helped take Donna Karan New York far beyond my wildest dreams.”

Check out the gallery below for the best Donna Karan red carpet moments: 

[via WWD]

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