Donna Karan Headshot - P 2011
Cindy Ord/Getty ImagesDonna Karan’s latest endeavor is extremely personal.
The fashion mogul is unveiling an art exhibit, featuring sculptures by her late husband, Stephan Weiss. The exhibit, titled “Connecting the Dots,” opens October 18 in Weiss’ West Village studio in Manhattan.
Karan, who created the philanthropic foundation Urban Zen after Weiss’ death, speaks passionately and lovingly about Weiss and his creations. The exhibit, which runs until December 31, will also feature an accompanying book from Assouline called Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots. Karan calls the book her “way of introducing you to Stephan.”
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Weiss, who died eleven years ago from lung cancer, was an integral part in the founding of Karan’s fashion empire and played a key role until his death. In addition to his work with his wife, Weiss was also a sculptor, but few of his sculptures were ever seen.
“He was a very subtle man,” Karan told ELLE.com. “He never showed his art, it was for him and the family to enjoy. I felt it was time for the rest of the world to see it and truly understand the energy that he left behind.”
Karan donated one of his sculptures, a big apple, to the Hudson River Park in 2004. That sculpture was the influence for the shape of DKNY’s Be Delicious perfume bottles.
“He’s been my inspiration. When I met him, I never understood what he was talking about! But, now I appreciate him more than ever and see his legacy.”
The exhibit, which runs until December 31, will also feature an accompanying book from Assouline called Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots. Karan calls the book her “way of introducing you to Stephan.”
The title of the exhibit was inspired by how Weiss created his art and also by how everyone is connected.
“For me, by connecting the dots you find a whole. Sometimes we’re not aware of what that dot represents, but then one dot, one moment, leads to another.”
