No one can argue that Donna Karan has created a sustainable business.  From her beginnings at Anne Klein she has grown, adapted, and innovated her way to becoming one of the best known and most respected fashion labels of our time.

Her latest line, Urban Zen, is yet another example of how a designer, understanding not only her customer base but also the state of the industry, can successfully and with great impact extend her brand and continually solidify the label’s position within the world of fashion. With Urban Zen, Karan affectively reaches another market, the yoga and spirit customer.  The line is not just clothing, but also incorporates furniture, accessories, and décor from artisans around the world.

Most recently, the label debuted the Element Collection.  Inspired by nature, it is the latest addition to a line that aims to produce beautiful product while simultaneously giving meaning to fashion and building upon a successful and sustainable business. By diversifying the brand and branching out into additional markets, Karan is proving that she knows how to stand the test of time.

Urban Zen seems to have been created with an understanding of the changing fashion industry.  The clothing is seasonless and each collection is immediately ready for purchase.  Additionally, there is a philanthropic initiative behind the line, with 10% of sales going to Karan’s Urban Zen foundation which, according to the website, works to raise awareness and create change in the areas of well-being, cultural preservation and children’s empowerment.

We can’t help but think that having a deeper meaning within a business model, is absolutely key when brainstorming, creating, and launching a brand today.

This kind of successful integration of business and personal makes us wonder.  Are young designers today following her example?  We’re not so sure.

As it stands, there tends to be a lot of New York fashion darlings.  They receive tons of press coverage, they are photographed all about town, showing up at the chicest parties, and dressing all the young faces of Hollywood. But the question remains whether or not they are creating lasting businesses.

Karan’s career and business model is an obvious example to follow and emulate.  She has managed, over decades, to build upon each aspect of her business and create a profitable and relevant brand.  While it’s never a bad thing to find yourself on the cover of a major fashion magazine (or these days, blog), it is imperative that young and emerging brands incorporate sustainable practices that not only have some meaning but still remain profitable, because otherwise it’s not a business, is it?

Is it enough to make pretty clothes?  We don’t think so.  It’s our belief that brands need to embrace more than the aesthetic aspect of their fashion business. They need to stand for something, they need to have a voice, and they need to use their influence to make some kind of difference.  Combine that with absolutely stellar design and top notch marketing, and they are well on their way to creating their own Karan-esque empire.