Dubbed the “Queen of American fashion,” Donna Karan established her enormous global fashion empire in less than a decade on one very simple idea known as the “Seven Easy Pieces”: If she needs a piece of clothing — be it a bodysuit, wrap skirt, blazer, dress or leggings — than every other woman needs it too. Launching in 1985, with a debut eponymous collection of body-conscious yet comfortable and elegant jersey and wool clothing for the upscale working woman, Karan went on to produce a casual line in 1989 that made her designer name more accessible to the masses. With a signature look that prominently features black and body-sculpted silhouettes, the Donna Karan woman built her reputation over the years as strong, ambitious and having a “real” body. This everywoman persona added to Karan’s appeal, and hence her enormous success as a lifestyle purveyor. Karan has been named the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year three times now, and honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Karan has also expanded her line to include Donna Karan Intimates and DKNY Sleepwear.