Inside Donna Karan New York’s Relaunch: Trey Laird and Linda Evangelista Reveal the Vision

For those of us who live and breathe style, some names never fade—they simply evolve. The return of Donna Karan New York feels like one of those rare cultural moments where fashion, identity, and confidence align. It’s not just a relaunch; it’s a reminder of how great design can make a woman feel like herself, only more so. And yes, the energy behind this comeback is potent.

A Legend Returns: Donna Karan New York’s Modern Comeback

The revived Donna Karan New York arrives with serious star power and intention. Under the guidance of the brand’s owner, G-III Apparel Group, the relaunch taps into a cast of iconic women who helped define the label’s DNA.

The Creative Vision

At the creative helm is Trey Laird, a longtime collaborator who cut his teeth with the brand decades ago. His mission this time? Honor the legacy while making it feel relevant to a new generation.

He approached the project with reverence, aiming to capture the soul of DKNY without nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. The result is a campaign that celebrates endurance, identity, and the beauty of what lasts.

The Faces of the Revival

To reintroduce the brand, Laird brought together a multi-generational lineup that speaks to the universal power of a great silhouette and a strong point of view:

• Cindy Crawford
• Amber Valletta
• Shalom Harlow
• Carolyn Murphy
• Imaan Hammam
• Karlie Kloss
• Liya Kebede
• Linda Evangelista

This was never about a single face. It was about the enduring influence of different women—each with her own rhythm, her own story.

Storytelling Over Hype

Rather than chase trends, the campaign leans into storytelling. It highlights the timelessness of the Donna Karan vision: versatile clothes built for real life, made to move with you, and designed to outlast the moment.

Beauty, Confidence, and Timeless Style

Linda Evangelista’s Slow-Build Stardom and Self-Discovery

For Linda Evangelista, success didn’t hit overnight. Her ascent was steady and thoughtful—a journey shaped by learning to own her identity. Once she realized she didn’t have to be just one thing, her range became her strength.

That arc mirrors the brand itself: confident, flexible, and unmistakably individual.

Clothes That Empower

Donna Karan always understood the power of essentials. Think polished black bodysuits, clean lines, and pieces that never overshadow the woman wearing them. The clothes don’t shout; they shape, support, and elevate.

That ease is what makes timeless style feel modern—day after day.

Lens Masters: Lindbergh to Leibovitz

Some of the most unforgettable Donna Karan imagery was created with the late Peter Lindbergh, whose love of women—not just fashion—translated to frames full of authenticity. For the Spring 2024 campaign, Annie Leibovitz brought her signature clarity: women as they are now, celebrated without overwork or retouching.

That choice matters. It’s a quiet manifesto of confidence.

Resilience Beyond the Runway

Navigating Setbacks and Healing

Evangelista has been candid about her private struggles following a cosmetic procedure that led to a rare condition known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. The emotional toll was immense. She retreated, focused on healing, and confronted the complex relationship between self-worth and appearance.

She also faced two breast cancer diagnoses, moving through surgery and treatment with grace and grit. Today, she celebrates being here—fully present, fully herself.

The Return and the Love From Fans

Her return to the runway—closing the Fendi show in 2022—felt like a collective exhale. Soon after, a Phaidon book spotlighted 180 of her most iconic images with Steven Meisel, and the response from fans was deeply human: emotional, supportive, and far beyond the superficial.

Her takeaway is profound: beauty isn’t the perfection we’re sold. It’s the softness, strength, and truth we grow into.

Why the Relaunch Resonates Now

Accessible Luxury and Lasting Design

A year into the relaunch, the response has been electric. The team credits the appeal of classic design and smart, accessible pricing—thanks to G-III Apparel Group—with reconnecting the brand to the women it serves.

When something disappears and returns with intention, we notice. We appreciate.

What Endures

The Donna Karan ethos has always been clear: design that respects a woman’s life, celebrates her shape, and trusts her instincts. In a world obsessed with “new,” this comeback argues for “best”—pieces that live with you and look even better over time.

Your Moment, Your Edit

If this relaunch reminds us of anything, it’s that style is personal—and powerfully so. Choose the pieces that frame your life, honor your body, and reflect your story. And when you’re ready, we’d love to know: what does timeless beauty look like for you right now?

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