In the New York Times Style section, Ruth La Ferla reports that designer Norma Kamali is stronger than ever today. Walmart will be selling an updated version of her famous swimsuit, along with other new pieces, starting in June.
I actually bought (and wore) a Norma Kamali swimsuit from Bloomingdale’s back in the 1980s. I loved the retro-pin-up girl styling, and at the time, I wasn’t bothered by the suit’s fundamental lack of “support.” Kamali is also famous for introducing the “puffer” coat in the 70s; it’s basically a sleeping bag with sleeves, only glamorous, and it made a huge comeback in NYC after 9/11.
At 63, Kamali is a savvy designer and business woman. In the Times piece, Kamali explains that she’s not much interested in brands. One way she tests the market for new designs is to place a few pieces in indie boutiques and see how they sell—without a label. Ferla quotes Kamali: ‘“The idea of branding, we have to rethink that…Sometimes a label only gets in the way.”’ More product, less image.
— Ellen Lupton · 2009-05-09
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