Remember the story of Yves St Laurent taking over for Christian Dior. Not the best circumstances for Dior but it worked out fine for Saint Laurent. It is a different circumstance for Donna Karan with Anne Klein, of course. By absorbing the historical lessons of the emerging trends in the fashion industry, Donna was able to create a blueprint for her future success.

Donna has used everything at her disposal to create success. Her toolbox has many assets including her guile, business sense, fashion smarts, and when it was available to help her, she has used her own good looks.