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Norman NorellAmerican fashion designer
Date of Birth: 20.04.1900
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Norman Norell
Norman Norell was an American fashion designer renowned for his highly elegant suits. Born into a haberdashery family, Norman began contemplating a career in the world of art at a young age. He spent some time at a military school during World War I, but later decided to pursue a more peaceful profession and enrolled in the Pratt Institute to study fashion design. In 1922, Norman joined the New York studio of Paramount Pictures, where he created outfits for Gloria Swanson and other notable silent film stars.
Early Career and Broadway
After his time at Paramount Pictures, Norell worked as a costume designer on Broadway. His clients included artists from the "Ziegfeld Follies" project and the staff of the iconic New York club, the Cotton Club. Norell also provided his services to agents from Brooks Costume Company and employees of the wholesale clothing manufacturer, Charles Armour. In 1928, he was hired by Hattie Carnegie, and their collaboration lasted until 1941. In 1943, Norell won the Coty Fashion Award, a prestigious fashion prize, and around the same time, he became a fashion critic at his alma mater, Pratt Institute.
Traina-Norrell and Success
Shortly after, Anthony Traina invited Norell to join the fashion company "Traina-Norrell." While Traina handled the business aspects of the company, Norell took charge of the fashion decisions. By 1944, Norell had already released a line of blouses, evening dresses, fur coats, and trousers. Surprisingly, World War II brought some benefits to Norell's career, as American producers and designers became more popular following the war. Advertising significantly boosted sales of Norell's already popular designs.
Later Years and Legacy
By the 1960s, Norell was leading his label independently. In December 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of Norell's vintage dresses to a Christmas party in Washington.
Norman Norell is best known for his classic wool dresses with high rounded necklines, sparkling cocktail dresses, and playful sailor-inspired suits.
