Norma Kamali - OMO - 56th NYC

Norma Kamali - OMO - 56th NYC

In the early 80's I was working in NY (1412 Broadway), my spending stints of between 7 to 10 days every month and I remember well the enormous interest when Norma Kamali opened her shop in 56th Street. The building appeared to have been architect designed in concrete and was a series of rooms starting directly off the street and then on varying mezzanine floors and comparatively the rooms were comparatively small and intimate and the fashion offer was in the main swimwear.

Norma Kamali named the shop OMO which I was told was an expression of freedom having recently divorced and able to celebrate her independence by being ' on her own'  hence OMO standing for 'on my own'.

It is said that it was Norma Kamali who was the inspiration behind that startling coat for the winter months - 'the sleeping bag coat' which looked like a very stylishly draped duvet all puffy and sexy and in some startling colours.

Other descriptions were less kind and suggested that the wearer looked like 'the Michelin Man' !!!

To a layman when it comes to fashion design I marvel at the dexterity of thought when some one like Norma Kamali can design the 'Michelin Man' coat that in no way shows off the femine attributes of shape on one hand but on the other hand can design such sensuous and sexy swimwear and lingerie

There you go - talent is talent

1979

Above and below are adverts and pictures from 1979 to 1999

Above are adverts and pictures from 1979 to 1999

All images used on the Leslie Creasey Blog are from my hand clipped archive documenting 35 years of Style and Design media.  For all enquiries please contact leslie@charismatic-brands.com.