After graduation the Parsons’ dean recognized Joyce’s unique talents and introduced her to Donna Karan, a designer start up company at the time. Joyce’s first assignment was to “conceive of and design new and different products” which became her career’s design point of view.

Joyce Michel’s original legwear sketch became the basis for Body Toners^®, an innovative line of pantyhose that for the first time stretched figure-shaping control from panty line to mid-thigh area.

This innovative design revolutionized the pantyhose business and generated industry-wide revenues of $350 million annually. Body Toners^® became one Donna Karan’s top selling items along with candles according to Women’s Wear Daily, Spring 2004.