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My Journey
In this candid memoir, renowned designer Donna Karan shares intimate details about her lonely childhood, her four-plus decades in the fashion industry, her two marriages, motherhood, and her ongoing quest for self-acceptance and spiritual peace.
Donna Karan was born into the fashion business—her father was a tailor, and her mother was a showroom model and Seventh Avenue saleswoman—yet Karan dreamed of becoming a dancer like Martha Graham or a singer like Barbra Streisand. Fashion was her destiny, though. My Journey traces Karan’s early days as an intern at Anne Klein, the creation of her Seven Easy Pieces (which forever changed the way working women dressed), and the meteoric rise of her company. Along with juicy industry stories, Karan candidly discusses her difficult mother and traumatic childhood, her turbulent romantic life, all the loved ones she has lost over the years, and the personal awakening that occurred just as she reached the height of professional and financial success.
That awakening set Karan down a path of spiritual discovery and self-improvement. From est to Kabbalah, from silent retreats to leech therapy, Karan tried everything to find, as she writes, “calm in the chaos.” But she also reveals how a chaotic life, fueled by endless curiosity and childlike impulses, helped her design seminal collections season after season for global powerhouse brands Donna Karan New York and DKNY. She also details how she has channeled her creativity (and her urge to solve problems and nurture others) into philanthropic work, particularly her early outspoken advocacy for AIDS awareness and research, and the creation of her Urban Zen Foundation, focusing on integrated healthcare and education as well as preservation of culture, which led to her current efforts in Haiti.
Karan’s life has been crowded with glamorous characters and adventures around the world. But she sometimes still feels like that awkward teen from Long Island who never fit in—which makes her all the more endearing. Brimming with Karan’s infectious energy, My Journey is about much more than the fashion world: It is the story of a young woman whose vision and hard work made her a role model for women everywhere—a woman who dreamed big, fought to have it all, broke the rules, and loved passionately along the way.
Donna Karan was born into the fashion business—her father was a tailor, and her mother was a showroom model and Seventh Avenue saleswoman—yet Karan dreamed of becoming a dancer like Martha Graham or a singer like Barbra Streisand. Fashion was her destiny, though. My Journey traces Karan’s early days as an intern at Anne Klein, the creation of her Seven Easy Pieces (which forever changed the way working women dressed), and the meteoric rise of her company. Along with juicy industry stories, Karan candidly discusses her difficult mother and traumatic childhood, her turbulent romantic life, all the loved ones she has lost over the years, and the personal awakening that occurred just as she reached the height of professional and financial success.
That awakening set Karan down a path of spiritual discovery and self-improvement. From est to Kabbalah, from silent retreats to leech therapy, Karan tried everything to find, as she writes, “calm in the chaos.” But she also reveals how a chaotic life, fueled by endless curiosity and childlike impulses, helped her design seminal collections season after season for global powerhouse brands Donna Karan New York and DKNY. She also details how she has channeled her creativity (and her urge to solve problems and nurture others) into philanthropic work, particularly her early outspoken advocacy for AIDS awareness and research, and the creation of her Urban Zen Foundation, focusing on integrated healthcare and education as well as preservation of culture, which led to her current efforts in Haiti.
Karan’s life has been crowded with glamorous characters and adventures around the world. But she sometimes still feels like that awkward teen from Long Island who never fit in—which makes her all the more endearing. Brimming with Karan’s infectious energy, My Journey is about much more than the fashion world: It is the story of a young woman whose vision and hard work made her a role model for women everywhere—a woman who dreamed big, fought to have it all, broke the rules, and loved passionately along the way.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 14, 2015
I love reading memoirs and biographies like MY JOURNEY. The early chapters in this book are well-written and interesting--then it goes downhill from there. The book was OK but there is a lot of missing information such as transitions between the chapters to connect them into a coherent story. Buy this book for the pictures but I'd suggest reading the first few chapters and skimming the rest. I blame poor editorial direction for this fiasco. Great topic and interesting person but the book does not deliver.
October 23, 2015
Written in a very genuine voice that enables the reader to step out of his/her own life and into Donna's. I always like when an autobiography does that. That said, I would not want to be Donna Karan and I definitely wouldn't want to work for her.
March 28, 2016
Blah! Blah! Blah! Very impressed with herself, her name brand friends, her real estate and her travels. I wonder how many of the people she referred to as "friends" were true friends or sycophants. I was horrified by the way she treated her first husband.
It seemed like she had a lot of employee turnover. I noticed that the young man who inspired her to enter the menswear market and introduced her to the key tailor did not last long either. I was really cheering for the artist who sent her an invoice after she had him "store" his art on the walls of her home. It seemed to me that the talent she and Stephan had was knowing when to unload a business they had made a mess of. I especially disliked the way she flaunted her "philanthropy". All in all, not a person I can admire.
It seemed like she had a lot of employee turnover. I noticed that the young man who inspired her to enter the menswear market and introduced her to the key tailor did not last long either. I was really cheering for the artist who sent her an invoice after she had him "store" his art on the walls of her home. It seemed to me that the talent she and Stephan had was knowing when to unload a business they had made a mess of. I especially disliked the way she flaunted her "philanthropy". All in all, not a person I can admire.
June 7, 2017
I loved this book. I've been on a spiritual journey mostly the past 5 years, and its been fascinating both discovering the behind the scenes in the fashion industry, all her success, challenges, but mostly Donna's spiritual journey.
The journey through her relationships. It was a lot of validation that we are ALL on a spiritual journey as so much was familiar - signs, synchronicites, the people who show up, and those you have to walk away from.
All the lessons, and growth.
I was sad reading the last page…that it was over. It was as they say like "losing a friend"….
The journey through her relationships. It was a lot of validation that we are ALL on a spiritual journey as so much was familiar - signs, synchronicites, the people who show up, and those you have to walk away from.
All the lessons, and growth.
I was sad reading the last page…that it was over. It was as they say like "losing a friend"….
August 15, 2018
Let me start by saying, no, Donna, everyone does not look good in black. At first, this was a delightfully fast-paced book about the fashion industry. About halfway through I realized it was just a manic life. Constant work, constant ridiculous consumption of every imaginable thing– – houses, vacations, clothing— combined with the name dropping of so many “great friends“. “Spirituality“? Whatever lots of money could buy, from psychiatrists, to seers to any other “trending” thing counted as “spiritual” a experience. Just everything way over the top. I’ll take my quiet, meaningful, moderate life and faith in God anyway.
As she described various designs, I could picture many of the trends she described that I didn’t realize had originated with her.
I’m thinking some CS Lewis may be in order for me.
As she described various designs, I could picture many of the trends she described that I didn’t realize had originated with her.
I’m thinking some CS Lewis may be in order for me.
May 12, 2016
When Anne Klein died Donna Karen just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I like how when you read this book it seems like Donna Karen is actually talking with you. You can put the book down and return to it feeling like you are continuing a conversation with her. At 65 she finally retires and that is where the book ends. I hope there is a part two because now is when the best of her life is supposed to begin.
February 6, 2017
I was sad to see this book end! Karan writes in a warm, self-aware tone that makes you trust her immediately and care what happens to her.
The book itself is a dishy behind-the-scenes look at her pioneering fashion career and philanthropy.
Her embrace of spirituality spoke to me in particular.
Though told sequentially, it's less a by-the-numbers narrative than a collection of life's highs and lows.
I learned a lot about fashion and the search for meaning. Donna seems like a remarkable woman.
The book itself is a dishy behind-the-scenes look at her pioneering fashion career and philanthropy.
Her embrace of spirituality spoke to me in particular.
Though told sequentially, it's less a by-the-numbers narrative than a collection of life's highs and lows.
I learned a lot about fashion and the search for meaning. Donna seems like a remarkable woman.
May 19, 2016
I LISTENED to this book in my car on CD. There were several CD's so it took a while. I loved it!
The narrator was excellent and didn't have a NY accent! (not my fave)
Very interesting story of Donna's life... home life and work. I found it very interesting and think anyone into retail/ fashion/ design etc. would like it!
The narrator was excellent and didn't have a NY accent! (not my fave)
Very interesting story of Donna's life... home life and work. I found it very interesting and think anyone into retail/ fashion/ design etc. would like it!
July 24, 2016
I grew up really admiring DK but reading this book has lessened that feeling. She comes across as privileged and a bit spoiled but completely unaware. Her taste is impeccable but you would never piece that together from reading this.
March 26, 2021
Incredible book.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know who Donna Karan was. I have heard of DKNY, but never once cared to know who Donna Karan was so the fact that I bought this boo simply because of the reviews and not because of the author... that says something.
Donna Karan was refreshing. She made it very clear from the very beginning that a lot of the reason she’s as successful as she is, is due to being at the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. With her family in the fashion business and her friends in the entertainment and luxury world, it was relatively easy to connect with others. She did not have a fake rag to riches story that I find a lot of “self-made” millions explain. She was upfront and didn’t hide why she got to where she is but she also made it very clear that it also takes the right person, the right team, etc...
She was open about her life story, starting with how she ran Anne Klien to how she opened her business to how she married her second husband, it was an overview of her whole journey without missing a bit. I have tremendous respect for this woman and urge everyone to view her story and read about her journey
Her philanthropy? Incredible. She gave back to her community in ways I don’t think a lot of people with her status do. She was open about her personal and professional life that it felt like I was really reading her book.
What else? Her as a designer and business woman? It’s very obvious she worked very hard. Yes she was born privileged butttt she worked really hard and she had the vision. Utmost respect for this woman
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know who Donna Karan was. I have heard of DKNY, but never once cared to know who Donna Karan was so the fact that I bought this boo simply because of the reviews and not because of the author... that says something.
Donna Karan was refreshing. She made it very clear from the very beginning that a lot of the reason she’s as successful as she is, is due to being at the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. With her family in the fashion business and her friends in the entertainment and luxury world, it was relatively easy to connect with others. She did not have a fake rag to riches story that I find a lot of “self-made” millions explain. She was upfront and didn’t hide why she got to where she is but she also made it very clear that it also takes the right person, the right team, etc...
She was open about her life story, starting with how she ran Anne Klien to how she opened her business to how she married her second husband, it was an overview of her whole journey without missing a bit. I have tremendous respect for this woman and urge everyone to view her story and read about her journey
Her philanthropy? Incredible. She gave back to her community in ways I don’t think a lot of people with her status do. She was open about her personal and professional life that it felt like I was really reading her book.
What else? Her as a designer and business woman? It’s very obvious she worked very hard. Yes she was born privileged butttt she worked really hard and she had the vision. Utmost respect for this woman
November 21, 2020
This is a really hard one to review. While it could be argued her story is a worthwhile read, a good majority of the book is just drivel.
She had a very fascinating childhood, and explained the problems with her mother very well. But, as we progress into adulthood, she loses all sense of self-reflection. She seemed very flippant about cheating on a perfectly good man multiple times. Her work with Anne Klein carried me through her neglegance. That was amazing, and gave real industry insights into fashion politics.
I checked out, at the second half. So many descriptions about her job, yet none of it made her work more fascinating.
She had a very fascinating childhood, and explained the problems with her mother very well. But, as we progress into adulthood, she loses all sense of self-reflection. She seemed very flippant about cheating on a perfectly good man multiple times. Her work with Anne Klein carried me through her neglegance. That was amazing, and gave real industry insights into fashion politics.
I checked out, at the second half. So many descriptions about her job, yet none of it made her work more fascinating.
February 26, 2019
I choose to read My Journey because I adore Donna Karen's clothing designs. I already knew that she started at Anne Klein. Donna Karan's voice and soul come through her words as she writes like she designs. She is an artist and a visionary. I learned that she has retired after 30 years in the industry. Donna Karan left the field at the penacle of her vision. She took the hints from the divine that it was time to rest and enjoy her other passions. I love and respect Donna Karan as a person now, before I only knew her as my go to designer.
September 22, 2019
I enjoyed reading Donna Karan's book. She was open and honest about her life story and journey as a successful designer.
What I found sad was her endless search for true happiness. Money and fame doesn't give you that.
pg 242 - Nothing beats the quiet, the physical challenge, and the perspective you gain when you look up at an enormous tree and realize it's been there for hundreds of years, majestically growing taller and taller. Nature humbles you. It reminds you that you're only here for a little while, and that each day is a wondrous gift to enjoy.
What I found sad was her endless search for true happiness. Money and fame doesn't give you that.
pg 242 - Nothing beats the quiet, the physical challenge, and the perspective you gain when you look up at an enormous tree and realize it's been there for hundreds of years, majestically growing taller and taller. Nature humbles you. It reminds you that you're only here for a little while, and that each day is a wondrous gift to enjoy.
May 3, 2025
A very interesting woman.
The beginning of the book is the most interesting and the most reflective and analytical.
She does develop a slight victim complex amongst the whole story of her cheating on her first husband which does leave you rolling your eyes.
The second half does become a bit unfocused with stories lacking details or tying up to always provide a conclusion or bringing it back to why it was brought up.
The beginning of the book is the most interesting and the most reflective and analytical.
She does develop a slight victim complex amongst the whole story of her cheating on her first husband which does leave you rolling your eyes.
The second half does become a bit unfocused with stories lacking details or tying up to always provide a conclusion or bringing it back to why it was brought up.
October 23, 2025
Reading about her start and design process were interesting but, as the book went on, it became harder and harder to separate who she thinks she is (simple five town girl turned spiritual yogi) from who she obviously is (an ultra-rich, decadently spoiled celebrity). The book would also have been more concise if there had been less time given to the inner workings of her business in all its successive iterations. I could have found better ways to spend my time
January 23, 2018
I love fashion and I love reading about pioneers in the industry. I have to say, Donna Karan's history of starting her eponymous line as well as her journey through relationships (both partners and family) as well as where she is today was incredibly fascinating. I don't always agree with every stance she has, but it was a great read at times heartbreaking and others inspiring.
April 23, 2023
I loved this book. Donna Karan is open and exposes so much of herself, in a good way. I love fashion and believe she has a true natural talent. Her drive and ambition are incredible. She seems so humble and approachable. She was part of a big circle, with friends like Bill Clinton and Barbra Streisand, and she kept to her core values.
January 28, 2026
Donna REALLY goes into detail about every little thing, including pieces she has designed. She has done so much good philanthropy-wise, but her advice on going for it romantically at any cost (even two people who are already married to other people) was a little ghastly. All in all interesting, and she sounds like a fun, family oriented person
January 16, 2017
A rare insight into the fashion design world!
I didn't know much at all about Donna Karan going into the book. The anecdotes about her childhood - the death of her father, the secrecy, narcissism and driven-ness of her mother, and the setting in which she grew up, all made me nostalgic for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Glass Castle. I was encouraged to read the hard times that she came from and how she rose to success over her lifetime. Wow.
I also loved hearing about the lifestyle of a rich and famous person. How amazing it would be to travel as I liked! Yet she was very real in reliving her husband's sickness and death. This stuff strikes all of us humans.
This book made me ponder what success really is and how I want to spend my hours and days while my son is young. It also made me happy for my Christian faith. Donna Karen seemed to bounce around to psychics, astrologers, and various other future-tellers, and this seems like shaky ground to me. Especially if there's money on the line in paying these people. I feel like my faith in Christ provides me with wisdom when I really need it. I guess I wish she would have found Christ, but I really appreciated her honesty about those things because a lot of people are very private about it.
I loved all the pictures she included.
I loved hearing about the clothes she likes - the flowing jersey, wrap kinds of things...black, gold, lack of colour. Love it. This made me SO appreciate the people that design and make my clothing!
I didn't know much at all about Donna Karan going into the book. The anecdotes about her childhood - the death of her father, the secrecy, narcissism and driven-ness of her mother, and the setting in which she grew up, all made me nostalgic for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Glass Castle. I was encouraged to read the hard times that she came from and how she rose to success over her lifetime. Wow.
I also loved hearing about the lifestyle of a rich and famous person. How amazing it would be to travel as I liked! Yet she was very real in reliving her husband's sickness and death. This stuff strikes all of us humans.
This book made me ponder what success really is and how I want to spend my hours and days while my son is young. It also made me happy for my Christian faith. Donna Karen seemed to bounce around to psychics, astrologers, and various other future-tellers, and this seems like shaky ground to me. Especially if there's money on the line in paying these people. I feel like my faith in Christ provides me with wisdom when I really need it. I guess I wish she would have found Christ, but I really appreciated her honesty about those things because a lot of people are very private about it.
I loved all the pictures she included.
I loved hearing about the clothes she likes - the flowing jersey, wrap kinds of things...black, gold, lack of colour. Love it. This made me SO appreciate the people that design and make my clothing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
Interesting read
As someone who is not plugged into the world of fashion, I thought this was an interesting look into one part of that world. It seems to be the unvarnished truth, and Donna Karen seems like a normal, relatable person. Easy, interesting read.
As someone who is not plugged into the world of fashion, I thought this was an interesting look into one part of that world. It seems to be the unvarnished truth, and Donna Karen seems like a normal, relatable person. Easy, interesting read.
April 22, 2020
There really isn’t an autobiography that I don’t like. I love fashion so I particularly enjoyed reading about Donna Karan’s life, the book did start to unnecessarily drag on about 80% through, but I still found the book very enjoyable.
May 9, 2024
Inspiring! Donna Karan is not unlike her friend Barbra Streisand in that she jumps into projects with full confidence the universe and success will rise up to meet her. To Ms. Karan freedom, risk, and the journey is the meaning of life.
June 1, 2017
Pleasantly surprised.
March 15, 2020
Don’t bother with this book. Very self absorbed in name dropping and her connections. The jobs her mother got for her and her need to try every self help or religion just got so BORING.
January 12, 2023
Amazing Grace; Love Rejoices in The Truth. I Corinthians 13; Jesus Is The Way, The Truth The Life; John14v6
December 31, 2023
Donna Karan is an incredibly interesting woman but her autobiography didn’t successfully channel it.
March 25, 2024
Interesting perspective about the fashion industry.
January 6, 2026
good, it just shows how narcissistic they all are
May 29, 2026
The second half of the book is better than the first half.
June 5, 2018
I had always admired Donna Karan's fashion line so I began the book. Could not finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews