DKNY means the latest fashion. Founder Donna Karen of New York was raised around the fashion. Her father was a tailor, he died when Karan was three, and her mother was a showroom model and fashion sales rep. Her stepfather was in the fashion business as well. While Karan was in high school, she designed her first collection and staged her first show. Karan attended Parson's School of Design and was hired by Anne Klein. When Klein died, Karan was named as her successor. In the Fall of 1985, (ten years after Klein's death), Karan became known for the Donna Karan New York collection. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has acknowledged her an six times.