A key to becoming a successful designer doesn’t just lie in talent and passion, but the ability to listen to what people need. Many of today’s classic pieces became closet staples because of their resonance with consumers. Think of the LBD, oversized blazers, denim jeans, among others. These pieces are designed with versatility in mind—something designers like Donna Karan have long championed.

After the success of her initial label, Donna Karan launched DKNY, a diffusion line that is more casual and street-smart, translating the “New York energy” into everyday wear and lifestyle products. That sense of everyday luxury is echoed into the brand’s line of timepieces. This time, it is bringing the spirit of the Big Apple closer to Filipinos with a black-and-white pop-up at SM Makati.

On display are timepieces from DKNY’s newest collection. What sets the line apart is its focus on shapes. “In the last two years, the trend in the watch industry has been on shape cases,” says Martina Zonta, Time Management Services Ltd’s head of Sales in Asia Pacific. “Everybody has been doing shapes, but we are doing it in more tiny silhouettes—a more feminine jewelry-bracelet take.”

Much like DKNY apparel, the watches are designed to sleek, urban sensuality, allowing them to transition from day to night. Edgy and exuding quiet confidence, the newest collection features dials in structured square shapes, rectangular forms, and pillow-shaped cases (a design that sits between a circle and square). Versatility is evident in the straps, which showcase a variety of designs—from lightweight tubogas bracelets to delicate 8-link chains and geometric bracelets.

Adding a touch of glam to the pieces are sparkling stones. Some models feature these for subtle sophistication, while others go full-on, lining the dial or highlighting DKNY’s signature logo.

“With the launch of this pop-up, we hope the brand will be more relevant to the Filipino market. The story behind it is a lady—Donna Karan,” Martina muses. “She took high-end and made it more for every day—for everybody. We want everybody to be represented. We have something a little more dressy, something more minimalist. We want to follow Donna Karan’s philosophy.”

Located on Level 2 of SM Makati, the DKNY Watches pop-up runs until Aug. 31, 2025.