New York is dubbed as the city that never sleeps. It is full of vibrant, beautiful, well- dressed people.
Image is everything, and a luxurious lifestyle involves the right premium clothing and accessories.
DKNY, also known as Donna Karan New York, embodies the magic of New York City.
Many luxury fashion houses call New York home, so what makes DKNY so special?
Is DKNY a luxury brand? Let’s indulge our curiosity and find out.
New York is the mecca of fashion in the United States. Many people visit the city specifically for events such as New York Fashion Week.
With so many fashion options to choose from, is DKNY a good brand for you to invest in?
Is DKNY comparable to other fashion houses such as Tory Burch or Ralph Lauren?
Is DKNY a luxury brand? The true answer is that it’s complicated, and perception is often the true determining factor of reality.
DKNY has evolved as a brand over the years. Product line options include a wide range of mid to high quality goods.
The company prides themselves on amazing leather products, and caters to both men and women in all major categories of fashion.
Whether you’re looking for the latest autumn boots, or a New Year’s dress that will take your breath away, DKNY caters to your every fashion desire.
How is luxury defined?
Is DKNY a luxury brand? According to retail science, the predominant definition of a luxury brand is the element of exclusivity that it carries.
Not everyone has access to a premium brand, and that is what makes it truly special.
A luxury brand always has an extremely high level of quality because of the highly skilled inputs that are part of their production process.
Another key defining factor of a luxury brand is the high price tag that the product carries.
Luxury products represent stature, and being able to afford an exclusive item is normally seen as a sign of accomplishment.
The third factor in defining a luxury brand involves mass production, or lack thereof.
A luxury brand does not cater to the masses.
Is DKNY a luxury brand? The DKNY brand represents some elements of luxury, and is classified by many fashion critics as “affordable/accessible fashion”.
The price point of most items is such that they are not unattainable, but they require some level of financial commitment in order to access them.
What is the history of DKNY?
Every great fashion house has a story, so let’s explore the history of DKNY and identify what makes the brand so iconic.
Donna Karan New York was established in 1984. Named after its innovative founder Donna Karan, the brand set out to take the fashion world by storm.
With solid roots in fashion, Donna started her career working with Anne Klein, and was head fashion designer for 10 of the 15 years that she worked there.
With her vision coming to life, Donna Karan’s own fashion house revolutionized 1980’s fashion.
Catering to the modern, contemporary woman, Donna Karan’s collections offered fashions for every day of the week.
The brand defined the modern capsule wardrobe.
DKNY is a spin off line of Donna Karan New York, part of Donna Karan International.
DKNY caters to young, modern women who are just starting out in their professional careers.
It is a vibrant, fun, yet sophisticated line. Young professional women always have aspirations to be fashionable, and the price points of high end fashion are often out of their price range.
DKNY aimed to bridge that gap by creating an affordable collection that appealed to this younger demographic.
As DKNY grew in popularity, the product ranges expanded from DKNY jeans and handbags, to cater to men, women, children and even home.
DKNY underwear is offered as part of their intimates line. As a full lifestyle brand, DKNY’s broad range causes it to cater to a wide audience.
Are DKNY’s products rare, exclusive or scarce? Is DKNY a designer brand?
Is DKNY a luxury brand? DKNY’s products are not rare, exclusive or scarce, and are available via traditional mediums such as the physical store, as well as online.
DKNY bags are part of the company’s signature offerings, and range in price between $100 and $500, classifying the products as affordable luxury.
As the sales calendar progresses, the company does offer sales. You can access your DKNY products at a discounted price.
The affordability of this product line makes it an aspirational price to future purchasers of high end luxury.
What brands has DKNY recently collaborated with?
Elissa shoulder bag
The Elissa shoulder bag is a classy handbag that is made out of cow leather, and is lined with polyester.
Equipped with a trendy chain strap, a logo plate and lock detailing, it is perfect for day-to- daywear or for nights out.
Price range: $100-$178
Sutton Medium Flap crossbody bag
The Sutton medium flap crossbody bag is a beautifully textured handbag with an adjustable shoulder strap.
Crafted from rich sutton leather, it maintains its shape perfectly, and contains a compact interior and a magnetic flap closure.
Visible at the front of the bag is the DKNY brand logo.
Price point: $300
Sutton Tote bag
Every woman needs a good carryall in her bag collection. The Sutton tote bag represents sophistication, yet at the same time, practicality.
Equipped with a zip fastening system and twin handle straps, it is the perfect medium sized handbag for the professional woman.
Accessories include a detachable logo chain.
Price Point: $180
Is DKNY a good luxury investment?
Is DKNY a luxury brand? As an affordable luxury brand, DKNY’s products are readily available on the resale market.
The price points for DKNY products on platforms such as The Real Real, Ebay and Poshmark are approximately half of their purchase price points.
Traditional luxury items hold almost all their resale value after use, so consider this factor before purchasing your new DKNY items.
What is the quality of DKNY products?
DKNY has a lot of products in its line, with the company being particularly known for its handbags.
DKNY handbags are made from a range of materials, according to the style of the bag.
The higher quality handbags in the ranges are made from 100% leather, while the mid to low range quality bags are made of synthetic materials.
Materials that are utilized in the production process include polyester, cotton or polyurethane.
A mixture of these various components is often utilized, and the ratios of each will impact the price point.
Higher quality items from DKNY are often made in Italy, while the more affordable items are made in China.
DKNY is making an effort to become a more sustainable brand, and aims to achieve its target by 2030.
Is DKNY a luxury brand? Because of the variable material mix, many reviewers have classified DKNY products as well made and relatively durable.
As an affordable luxury brand, the products do not compare to more luxurious brands such as Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton or Christian Dior.
Luxury as a service: What is the customer’s experience?
While DKNY customers don’t necessarily state that their experience at DKNY is comparable to high end boutique brands, the general shopping experience is a positive one.
Customers generally feel welcome and catered to. Certain higher range products such as watches are issued with two year warranties.
DKNY, an affordable luxury brand
Is DKNY a luxury brand? DKNY is an amazing brand that caters to young, stylish people.
DKNY offers lots of stylish products to men, women and children, with the latest trends at affordable price points.
As an affordable luxury brand, it provides an aspirational brand that gives the look and feel of more high end brands, while still keeping budgets in tact.
The price range and quality keep it classified in the low to mid range of the luxury market.
Additionally, not all of its products are made of the finest materials such as leather, in order to ensure that more people can afford to purchase these items.
Sister brands that DKNY compares with include Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Guess.
Our team prefers to classify the brand as an accessible luxury, and it is definitely not on the level of higher end brands such as Prada, Dior or YSL.
Those brands epitomize luxury, and DKNY helps to inspire the need to aspire for such brands in the future.
They play their part in the fashion hierarchy, and are well loved for it. To the unseasoned fashion lover, DKNY will indeed define luxury and high quality, while to the seasoned fashion veteran, DKNY will represent affordable trends.
FAQ’s
Is DKNY considered a designer brand?
DKNY is classified as an accessible luxury, and it is definitely not on the level of higher end brands such as Prada, Dior or YSL.
The differentiating factors are exclusivity, quality and price point. The company is on the lower to mid ranges of the spectrum where these factors are concerned.
What is DKNY known for?
DKNY is well known for its handbags and shoes. Initially catering to women, the product offerings expanded to cater to men and children, and it even now includes a home line.
What kind of brand is DKNY?
DKNY is a lifestyle brand that caters to young, modern women who are just starting out in their professional careers.
It is a vibrant, fun, yet sophisticated line. Young professional women often have aspirations to be fashionable, but the price points of high end fashion are usually out of their price range.
DKNY aimed to bridge that gap by creating an affordable collection that appealed to this younger demographic.