The Brand
Karl Donoghue launched his own label in 1995 with a unique vision to push the perception of shearling and leather within fashion while developing an extensive knowledge of the craft. Karl quickly gained the loyalty of international stockists including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols and Isetan.
The foundations of the brand are strongly rooted in London where the design studio operates. While London remains a significant hub for the brand’s operations, the majority of production takes place in Northern Spain and Turkey, where our manufacturers are internationally recognised for their exceptional craftsmanship working with fashion brands such as Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Jacquemus. The collection of women’s outerwear, knitwear and accessories is handcrafted to the highest standards using traditional techniques ensuring a truly luxurious product with longevity.
Karl’s knowledge and passion of skins developed from his close relationship with European tanneries, cultivating innovative and exclusive finishes. This dedication to create unique and sustainable products combined with modern fabrics has paved the way for numerous collaborations with Net-A-Porter, Kijima, Morgan Cars, Katharine Hamnett and Lane Crawford. The continued effort to produce creative designs has resulted in celebrity clients including Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo, Deepika Padukone, Julianne Moore, Stella Tennant, Kylie Minogue, Kylie Jenner and HRH Princess Eugene.
Today, the renowned brand is stocked in many prestigious retailers across the world.
30 years in the making
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2025
Karl Donoghue celebrates a milestone anniversary…
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2022
The label joins forces with Japanese brand, Kijima to reduce waste, creating a capsule collection of hats.
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2021
The collection expands introducing KD knitwear and the KD2 Concept, combing two complementary, natural materials to create designs with comfort and durability.
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2020
The brand celebrates it’s 25th anniversary with an interactive installation in Tokyo.
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2016
Karl collaborates with car manufacturer Morgan to create a limited edition set of shearling driving hats, launched with retailer Selfridges Pop up shop in London store, Selfridges, showcasing the Karl Donoghue accessory and gift range
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2015
The label celebrates its 20th anniversary marking the occasion with a pop up retrospective exhibition in both London and Tokyo. The brand collaborates with Japanese stylist Naoko Okusa, Japanese designer Albus, Swedish label The Case Factory and French perfumier, Chabaud. Julianne Moore wears Karl Donoghue in the film ‘Maggie’s Plan’.
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2014
NET-A-PORTER invites the brand to create an exclusive range for the online retailer.
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2013
The label collaborates with Fannie Schiavoni creating couture pieces for the store opening of Lane Crawford, Beijing.
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2012
The label launches a menswear collection with Barneys New York, Tokyo stocking the first collection.
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2011
The label is presented with the award ‘Great Brit UKFT 2011’ by HRH the Princess Royal.
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2010
The brand is invited by Lego to create an exhibition piece for Paris Fashion Week.
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2009
Karl Donoghue creates several outfits for lead actress, Deepika Padukone in the movie Chandni Chowk to China.
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2008
Japanese distribution begins and within four years the brand is stocked in more than 100 stores across the country.
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2005
The brand launches a pop up lifestyle boutique in the heart of Shoreditch, London.
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2004
Sienna Miller wears Karl Donoghue in the Movie Alfie starring alongside Jude Law.
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2001
The brand is awarded ‘Womenswear Exporter of the Year 2001’ by HRH the Princess Royal.
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2000
The brand expands the collection creating a range of shearling and leather outerwear styles. Retailer, Joseph invites Karl Donoghue to design their shearling range, a collaboration that continues for several years.
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1997
Katherine Hamnett invites Karl to create a range of shearling accessories for her London catwalk show.
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1995
Creative director, Karl Donoghue launches his own label offering a capsule collection of shearling accessories inspired by his graduate collection. Barneys New York is the first international customer.
