NORMA KAMALILooking for that perfect summer swimsuit? You are not alone. Memorial Day came early this year and if it snuck up on you - don't worry - there is an easy way to find that perfect go-to swimsuit. Norma Kamali has been making swimwear that could double as day-wear for decades! Kamali has always been ahead of her time and her approach to active-wear is just one example of how she always thinks outside the box. While the fashion industry is full of clones and copy cats, Norma Kamali has followed her own path since the mid-70's. Every aspect of her business is unique - from her independent shopping parties across the country - to her partnership with Everlast in the 90's , long before designers were thinking of lower priced lines. Kamali has been able to float between price points and brand positioning by never being afraid to try something new. This native NY'er was thinking GIRL POWER long before the Spice Girls!
NORMA KAMALI ONE PIECE
Innovation is also a strong suit for this former Studio 54 staple. After all, her sleeping bag coat designed in the late 70's has inspired countless designers of runway to contemporary to design puffer coats ala Kamali.
NORMA KAMALI BLACK & WHITE
Her namesake boutique title "OMO" Norma Kamali really says it all.. OMO - On My Own seems to sum up her business and design philosophy. The flagship is located at 11 West 56th Street and houses all categories including unique pieces not offered at wholesale. In an industry where most big 7th avenue houses are always looking over their shoulder to see what other designers are doing - Kamali is looking in the street and around the world for what her women want to wear.
KAMALI & SHORT SLEEPING BAG COAT
Swimsuits are a staple in the collection and are really an investment. The fabrics and cuts will be as relevant 10 years from now as they are today. This lady is a unique bird. Part Bohemian, part kitten with a whip - Kamali is like a free thinking Earth mother at heart with a Bettie Page exterior. Her ageless appearance is a testament to her discipline when it comes to exercise and diet. Her own interest in wellness products led to the launch of NORMALKAMALIWELLNESS, a collection of products inspired by the Olive Tree. Items range from clay masks to olive oil!
While her RTW collection is designer price point, Norma has also introduced a fast price point for the masses at Wal-Mart. While I can't endorse anything at the Wal-Monster.. the prices are amazing.. and utilize some of the same fabrics as Kamali's RTW collection.
VINTAGE SHARON STONE IN VINTAGE KAMALIa
Visit her website to find NK for Wal-Mart or her signature collection pieces. (There are also killer vintage pieces regularly offered on Ebay).
One of the best parts is - (again being ahead of everyone) Kamali introduced "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY". Shop her website and try things for 48 hours before she charges you for them! If you don't like them, send it back - no charge. I told you she was cool!
click -NORMAL KAMALI - to shop