DKNY creative directors exit as G-III acquisition closes

Image courtesy of DKNY

Adding to the growing trend of short designer tenures, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne have stepped down from their co-creative director position at DKNY after less than two years.

The designers’ decision was made public on Dec. 1, the same day that apparel group G-III announced it had completed its acquisition of Donna Karan International. The pair, who also co-design their own label Public School, took on the brand’s diffusion DKNY label right before Donna Karan’s eponymous founder exited her company to focus on other ventures (see story).

Wave of changes
Mr. Chow and Mr. Osborne’s first show for DKNY was spring/summer 2016. Since Ms. Karan departed, taking on solely an advisory role, the Donna Karan line was halted, with staff focusing their efforts on DKNY alone.

Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow at DKNY’s spring/summer 2017 show

Donna Karan International, Inc., the parent company of the Donna Karan and DKNY brands, had been part of the LVMH group since 2001. The transaction with G-III, valued at $650 million, closed earlier than expected (see story).

In an emailed statement shared by Vogue, the designers noted that the changing ownership led to their decision to leave.

“Given the company sale and subsequent change in strategies, we have decided to step down and focus on our own business, Public School,” the statement reads. “It’s been an unbelievable experience to work side by side with the wonderful people at DKNY, especially our amazing design team and atelier. We wish the company success in the future.”

Aside from Mr. Chow and Mr. Osborne, Donna Karan International CEO Caroline Brown will also be stepping down now that the brand is passing from LVMH to G-III.

from Apparel and accessories – Luxury Daily https://www.luxurydaily.com/dkny-creative-directors-exit-as-g-iii-acquisition-closes/
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