For the past two years, designer Donna Karan has invited RISD Textiles students to rethink one of DKNY’s best sellers — a hybrid sweater known as a “cozy.” In a design brief presented by DKNY’s creative director and its director of knits, students in the fall studio were asked to "reconsider the concept of wrapping and versatility" as they worked to design and create one-of-a-kind machine-knit shawls with sleeves.

“It’s important that the design of the fabric comes first with this project,” notes Assistant Professor Liz Collins ’91 TX/MFA ’99, who teaches the studio. “When we first came up with the idea of collaborating with DKNY, we settled on the cozy because it’s a straightforward structure for my students, who are majoring in textiles, not apparel design.” Collins confirms that the project offers students an invaluable learning experience because “it gives them exposure to materials available only to the contract market, which is what they’ll be using professionally” and enables them to understand the commercial constraints of designing for a specific client with a strong brand identity. “Students have to rethink something that already exists," she explains, “while really considering Donna’s vision and the company philosophy. They need to produce a product that is innovative and fresh, yet consistent with the DKNY brand.”

The project culminates in a sales exhibition at the DKNY flagship boutique on Madison Avenue. At the December 5, 2006 opening, 12 of the 20 cozies made by RISD students sold immediately, with proceeds helping to support the Textiles Department’s knitting program. DKNY also donates 20% of the proceeds from all Madison Avenue sales on opening night to the department and sponsors two summer internships for RISD students, who compete for the opportunity.