Kamali

Norma Kamali (1945). The brand was created in New York in 1977, but its creator, Norma Arraez, was already a renowned professional. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1964, she opened a boutique with her husband in 1968. She sold unusual fashion purchased in London as well as her own designs. In 1974 in Madison Avenue she proposed a small Collection of her own. In 1977 she divorced and established Omo Norma Kamali (On My Own) and made her own name as one of the most fanciful American fashion designers. She created coats with parachute cloth, elegant evening dresses in jersey, and tight skirts and pants in plush. During the 1980s her swimming costumes characterized by Hollywood style become the distinguishing mark of a golden decade.
1989. She received the American Success Award of the Fashion Institute of Technology from George Bush Snr. during a ceremony held in the Rose Garden of the White House.
1992. The first eyewear line was launched and the swimsuit Collection was diffused worldwide. The sports Collection, Omo Gym for woman, and Norma Kamali Beauty, a cosmetic line and face products were launched in quick succession.
1996. She launched her Internet site: www.omo-norma-kamali.com, which was one of the first examples of search engines online for images of fashion Collections. The following year direct marketing arrived on her web site. Thanks to the service ‘Shop like a celebrity’, the client receives clothes directly at home, chooses, pays within 48 hours for those which she has chosen, and the rest is sent back by courier.
2001. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York displays shows her patented sneakers, which inspired many other designers.
2002. The New York’s Fashion Walk of Fame welcomed Norma Kamali. Her bronze and granite plate is laid in her honor in the Seventh Avenue area between 34th West and 41st Street.