On Donna Karan
secondhand finds from DKNY perfect for fall dressing
The 90’s are back. Which is crazy because if you asked me about the year 2000, I am convinced it was only, at most, a decade ago. Time is fleeting.
While it’s easy to mock Gen Z for bringing back a slew of trends most of us lived through, survived, and now look back on and cringe, the simplicity of the 90’s changed fashion in a way where it doesn’t feel as gimmicky in its comeback.
I see many a clickbaity article discussing minimal dressing and capsule wardrobes like it’s something new, but designers like Donna Karan were the pioneers in making the basics not so basic.
Originally an assistant designer to Anne Klein, Donna Karan branched out and started her own label in the late 80’s, making the focus of her designs, “essentials.” She said she would only design clothes that she herself would want to wear, and created a wildly successful line where every item mixed and matched with a basic black bodysuit.
I am very, very bored with the discourse around brands like The Row and Khaite, and blah blah boring nonsense of “quiet luxury.” I think having basics in your wardrobe is essential and wonderful and makes everything easier, but $1200 cashmere makes no sense unless you’re living in a bubble of clear liquids and zero dirt — splashing spaghetti sauce or coffee on yourself is! inevitable!
I gravitate towards Karan because she so precisely nailed mixing textiles in a way that never felt pretentious, even when using luxury fabric. She paired knits, silks, cotton and wool harmoniously to create a well balanced vibe that toed the line of sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make up on with power executive making unproblematic girl bossy moves.
Most importantly, she played around with the concepts of masculine and feminine, something I think is important to anyone exploring their gender identity through clothing. I love how she mixed sheer organzas and soft silks with wool suiting and suedes.
She also happily helps to bridge my personal Baby Yoda debacle - black silk and velvety layers speaks to my inner chic girly girl while also satisfying my inner goth elven fairy princess creature.
I would highly encourage a scroll through her archives if you’re looking to get some wardrobe or even interior design inspiration. I found most of these images through Getty images and this website here, as Vogue Runway doesn’t have her whole catalog.
Make a moodboard! Shop for something you’ve never worn or tried! Wear a new fabric you’ve never explored!
And buy up all these vintage DK and DKNY things I’ve searched the internet for!
1 // Cashmere Silk Top
It’s giving Carrie-Bradshaw-00’s-going-out-top and I’m here for it
2 // DKNY Jeans
Everyone needs a good mom jean
3 // Trench Coat
This color is perfect perfect perfect. Feels very Prada “coded” lol I feel way too old to say that
4 // Leather Bag
This needs a good leather conditioner cuddle session but I know it has so much more life left in it!
5// Floral Tapestry Jacket Top
I live for a floral-y silky top especially in this color
6// Khaki Pants
Remember what Jenna Lyons said, Khaki is color! I see this with a big oversized sweater and some Converse high tops
7 // Sunglasses
DK meets Jean Paul Gaultier 90’s vibes. So cool.
8 // Satin Evening Coat
This!!! Coat!!!! ELEGANCE.
9 // D’orsay Heels
Love a D’orsay silhouette forever and ever
10 // Silk Cashmere Sequin Dress Set
This is the find that set off this whole newsletter - SO pretty. Someone buy this and wear it with a knee high boot and a long leather trench plz and thank u
11 // Leather Moto Vest
The shape and cut of this vest is good, really good
12 // Faux Crocodile Shoulder Bag
Love a croc texture
13 // Silk Gown
The price on this is incredible, someone get married in it or something! $346!
1 // Sequin Mini Dress
Buy this for the upcoming holiday party season! You can do so much with a festive LBD.
2 // Sheer Black Trousers
Okay, hear me out - these are sheer and $38 and someone needs them. Sexy for a night out but also super fun paired with a longer tunic - or even the sequin mini dress?
3 // Double Breasted Jacket
Double breasted on any gender is pure sex and my ultimate weakness
4 // Long Dress
It’s silk and slinky and the back is delightful. You could put a chunky sweater over this and make it more casual which is what I would doooo
5 // Tuxedo Blazer
Tuxedo jacket is my other ultimate weakness as it also exudes pure sex
6 // Long Red Leather Jacket
Live your Matrix fantasy
7 // Short Red Leather Jacket
This! Red!
8 // Asymmetrical Skirt
Did I ever think I’d be okay with asymmetrical ever again? No, but I love this and think someone with long legs needs it
Now go forth, and buy! There’s so much more out there on ThredUp, The Real Real, Etsy and eBay when you search “vintage Donna Karan.” Be sure to remove the gender options so you can see everything.
Etsy hot tip: If you add something to your cart, sometimes the seller will offer you a discount code. This also goes for eBay if you add something to your Watchlist!
I’ll be back Friday for this month’s edition of The Dump!
As always, let me know what you think by commenting or replying to this email.
Until next time,
xo,
G