Norma Kamali and Everlast: New Collaboration Aims for Stylish Comfort
Fashion Wire Daily - New York - Eighties fashion may not resurrect the fondest of memories, but scrunchies, stir-up pants and spandex aside, fashion great Norma Kamali reconstructs the absolute best of eighties style in her new collection of sportswear in conjunction with Everlast.
"It's a step forward from something I did in the eighties," said Kamali in an exclusive interview with Fashion Wire Daily at her flagship store on 11 W. 56th street. "I used to come out of the pool and slip into a sweatshirt instead of a sarong and this was very new at the time because people were afraid of casual clothing as everyday clothing."
There's nothing to be afraid of in Kamali's latest endeavor with Everlast as the design pro takes sportswear to a whole new level with cutting-edge styles and modern silhouettes. And it's an affordable option for Kamali fans, with the bulk of the collection priced under $200.
"People think 'Everlast' and think activewear," said Kamali behind a pair of black sunglasses and her signature red lipstick. "But in fact, it's just a partnership that occurred at the right time and timing is everything in fashion – otherwise, I just wouldn't have done it!"
With casualwear lines like Juicy Couture and Harajuku Lovers raking in profits for their comfy sweats and cute separates, Kamali saw the need for a collection that married the world's love affair for all things casual yet stylish. What came about was a line of irresistible clothes that can only be described as uncomplicated elegance and chic comfort at its best.
Sure to be a top seller is Kamali's heather grey oversized "Kangaroo" jacket, a hoodie with long princess sleeves that will retail for $225. Wear it to the office with a strand of black pearls and a wide leather belt or to a night club by zipping down the front, hiking up the hem and slipping on a pair of your favorite black pumps. Kamali not only supports individualizing each piece in the collection, she insists on it.
"It's not a branded collection, but more like a blank palette," agreed Kamali as she demonstrated the versatility of a peasant-inspired fitted hoodie on a mannequin. "Each piece is reversible and can be worn in dozens of ways with diamonds and a clutch or sneakers and a t-shirt. The fun will be seeing how people put these pieces together and mix in their personal style - this is why I chose to work in heather grey."
Die-hard Kamali fans will flip for the revival of the "Cocoon" wrap top ($185) that was a hit with fashionistas two decades ago and is sure to better the second time around.
"It's based on the same style as my design from the eighties," said Kamali as she pointed to a modernized heather grey rendition of the bestseller.
Neiman Marcus, Intermix boutiques and Barneys Japan have already placed orders for their favorite pieces from Kamali's new spring line and Kamali ensured us that more collections are to come.
"What I'd like to do for summer is bring in some color, but always keep the grey," said Kamali as our interview drew to a close. "Because right now, the collection sits on the edge between lifestyle and fashion but the minute it goes over to fashion, it kind of loses the lifestyle feeling."
But whether your style is classic, casual or downright bizarre, Kamali just wants to see people have fun with her clothes.
"This first collection has that air about it where people can do whatever to it," she said, "and hopefully, people are still having fun in 2006 spring."
And with that, Kamali retreated back into her office at the rear of the store, presumably working on new styles that mix some fun into fashion.
Fashion Wire Daily - New York - Eighties fashion may not resurrect the fondest of memories, but scrunchies, stir-up pants and spandex aside, fashion great Norma Kamali reconstructs the absolute best of eighties style in her new collection of sportswear in conjunction with Everlast.
"It's a step forward from something I did in the eighties," said Kamali in an exclusive interview with Fashion Wire Daily at her flagship store on 11 W. 56th street. "I used to come out of the pool and slip into a sweatshirt instead of a sarong and this was very new at the time because people were afraid of casual clothing as everyday clothing."
There's nothing to be afraid of in Kamali's latest endeavor with Everlast as the design pro takes sportswear to a whole new level with cutting-edge styles and modern silhouettes. And it's an affordable option for Kamali fans, with the bulk of the collection priced under $200.
"People think 'Everlast' and think activewear," said Kamali behind a pair of black sunglasses and her signature red lipstick. "But in fact, it's just a partnership that occurred at the right time and timing is everything in fashion – otherwise, I just wouldn't have done it!"
With casualwear lines like Juicy Couture and Harajuku Lovers raking in profits for their comfy sweats and cute separates, Kamali saw the need for a collection that married the world's love affair for all things casual yet stylish. What came about was a line of irresistible clothes that can only be described as uncomplicated elegance and chic comfort at its best.
Sure to be a top seller is Kamali's heather grey oversized "Kangaroo" jacket, a hoodie with long princess sleeves that will retail for $225. Wear it to the office with a strand of black pearls and a wide leather belt or to a night club by zipping down the front, hiking up the hem and slipping on a pair of your favorite black pumps. Kamali not only supports individualizing each piece in the collection, she insists on it.
"It's not a branded collection, but more like a blank palette," agreed Kamali as she demonstrated the versatility of a peasant-inspired fitted hoodie on a mannequin. "Each piece is reversible and can be worn in dozens of ways with diamonds and a clutch or sneakers and a t-shirt. The fun will be seeing how people put these pieces together and mix in their personal style - this is why I chose to work in heather grey."
Die-hard Kamali fans will flip for the revival of the "Cocoon" wrap top ($185) that was a hit with fashionistas two decades ago and is sure to better the second time around.
"It's based on the same style as my design from the eighties," said Kamali as she pointed to a modernized heather grey rendition of the bestseller.
Neiman Marcus, Intermix boutiques and Barneys Japan have already placed orders for their favorite pieces from Kamali's new spring line and Kamali ensured us that more collections are to come.
"What I'd like to do for summer is bring in some color, but always keep the grey," said Kamali as our interview drew to a close. "Because right now, the collection sits on the edge between lifestyle and fashion but the minute it goes over to fashion, it kind of loses the lifestyle feeling."
But whether your style is classic, casual or downright bizarre, Kamali just wants to see people have fun with her clothes.
"This first collection has that air about it where people can do whatever to it," she said, "and hopefully, people are still having fun in 2006 spring."
And with that, Kamali retreated back into her office at the rear of the store, presumably working on new styles that mix some fun into fashion.
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