If you're going to buy three items from Norma Kamali's fall collection, let it be one of her sturdy reversible coats, a black high-neck catsuit, and a black belt, to tie it all together.
During a preview in the showroom, Kamali cited those pieces and their variations throughout the fall as her key items of the season. Not just because they looked good, but because versatile styles were part of her smart-shopping mindset. The idea extended to long wrapable scarves, essential crossbody bags and cozy tube scarves that finished off the collection's simple yet sartorial dress, which is cozy and strong.
“I made this collection because I wanted it to anchor this year and what's going to happen in the first year after we have another election, so people can feel grounded but still happy,” she said. “In the end, I really thought that if we really thought about how much a person needs to buy and the idea of shopping smart, it doesn't mean boring, it means smart, and getting those pieces that transform everything in your wardrobe if you want them. We are always thinking about sustainability and easy care; Multi-purpose styles are key to this.”
The idea was solidified throughout her look book, with “about 70 percent” of the looks designed over her poly-lycra and sheer mesh catsuits. For example, under a crew-neck cotton crochet minidress and an oversized black vegan leather mid-length biker jacket, or under their modern takes on feminine tailoring in the style of houndstooth printed capes (a fantastic coat from riding or pleated skirts), square dresses and simple suits. .
Along with updated Kamali signature layers, its reversible “twofer” outerwear in a variety of wrap-around silhouettes, lengths and materials including plush, reflective silver vegan leather and black with cream faux fur (offered in three lengths with contrast pocket and stitching details) were certainly highlights.
The collection's sensitivity extended to price, Kamali explained, noting that its new sleeping bag coats (which also come in fall in the ultra-fun “Mob Wife”-inspired cheetah prints) are now $200 each, at all sizes, while other garments will be priced together.
“My job is to be smart, ask a lot of questions and see how we can be smart in what we do, because I really think this year is going to be crazy,” he said.
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