This past week, fashion icon Norma Kamali presented her collection, OMO, and launched a new, more accessible diffusion line called Kamali Kulture. The Observer wanted to know the details about Farrah Fawcett’s legendary red bathing suit moment and why in God’s name she was expanding!
Charlie’s Angels! Farrah Fawcett! That iconic moment was all you! Tell us about it—looking back? This is all about Farrah, not me. She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, and I have seen many extraordinary looking celebrities and great women throughout my career. She told me that she happened to have my swimsuit in her bag and her friend (the photographer) shot her in it on location. Lucky me!
Do you take credit for the shoulder pad as well?The shoulder pad became famous in the late ‘30s and ‘40s. I was obsessed with the ‘30s years ago, and when I did my collection made of sweatshirt fabric, I thought it would be cool to design [it] using ‘30s-chic sensibility in locker room fabrications.
You also revolutionized the online store? I think the idea was comfortable to me because I had a job out of school on the UNIVAC computer… so, clearly I was ready to express myself with a website in the mid ‘90s.
What is Kamali Kulture all about? Timeless style—under $100—that is sold exclusively online via my website, Amazon and Zappos.
Why the expansion? This is the time for this type of concept, and I feel strongly about online interaction with my customers and bloggers. I believe social media today is authentic, raw and passionate.
