Who is Donna Karan and what has the DKNY founder said about the Harvey Weinstein allegations?
FASHION designer Donna Karan worked her way up from humble origins to global success.
Here's everything you need to know about the stylish business mogul...
Who is Donna Karan?
The 69-year-old was born in Queens, New York.
Fashion was always in her blood, as her mother was a former model who had worked in designer Chester Weinberg's showroom.
Karan's dad worked as a tailor and haberdasher.
After graduating from Hewlett High School, Donna went on to study at the prestigious Parsons School of Design.
What is Donna Karan famous for?
Shrewd entrepreneur Karan worked on Anne Klein's design team, before founding her own label.
After years of building her riches from trademark deals, she sold DKNY to LVMH in 2000.
Currently, the prestigious fashion designer is focusing her attention on Urban Zen.
This luxury company combines style and philanthropy in its ventures.
What is Donna Karan's net worth?
Donna Karan's spectacular business empire is certainly impressive - especially as she is a self-made woman.
estimate that she's worth around £356 million.
As well as enjoying her riches, the fashion aficionado focuses her attention on charitable projects.
One of her most noteworthy endeavours was the philanthropic work she carried out following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
What are the Harvey Weinstein allegations?
Legendary producer Harvey Weinstein is the subject of a number of allegations – including from film star Ashley Judd – published in the New York Times.
Judd, 49, recalled an incident in which she expected to discuss business with Weinstein, 65, but instead, was summoned to his hotel room.
She claimed that Weinstein — wearing a bathrobe — then asked her if he could give her a massage, or if she would be willing to watch him take a shower.
Other claims included offers of career advancement in exchange for sex, forced massages and incidents in which he was alleged to have fully exposed himself.
The report said allegations against him stretched over three decades and that he had reached settlements with at least eight women.
A lawyer for Weinstein claimed the allegations were "patently false".
Weinstein said in a statement: “I appreciate the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologise for it.
“Though I’m trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.”
What has Donna Karan said about the Harvey Weinstein allegations?
Many have shown concern about the allegations.
Hollywood stars have blasted Weinstein over the sex allegations, with Judi Dench branding the stories “horrifying”.
And Theresa May expressed “concern” about the claims as MPs called for the producer to be stripped of his CBE.
Despite this, Donna Karan sparked controversy after saying Weinstein’s alleged victims may have been “asking for it” by the way they dress.
Following the backlash, the style mogul apologised and insisted her comments were "taken out of context".
She said: "I have spent my life championing women. My life has been dedicated to dressing and addressing the needs of women, empowering them and promoting equal rights.
"My statements were taken out of context and do not represent how I feel about the current situation concerning Harvey Weinstein."
