Norma Kamali began her business in 1967 as a shop owner making styles in her sample room, and selling from her retail store. Her goal from that first day asan entrepreneur up until today was to have the freedom tobe creative, and to use that creativity to design styles for women to make them feel good.
Kamali is not just a designer. Sheis an innovator. An inventor. The Sleeping Bag Coat, the High Heeled Sneaker and the Parachute Collection are all iconic Kamali looks. In 1980, she was the first to present the innovative Sweats Collection and the Active Sportswear Collectionas core parts of her brand, where they remain today. Her influential Swimwearis recognized globally as highly directional and has remained an influence in the market for decades. The KAMALIKULTURE collection of affordable styles are all easy care, require no dry cleaning and are great for travel and the modern lifestyle.
Norma Kamali has won numerous awards for fashion, film, interior design, and architecture. She has also received awards from the White House for her work with public schools, as well as a wide assortment of pro-education organizations. Norma received anHonorary Doctorate from FIT and has been honored as the keynote speaker atseveral commencement addresses. Norma is involved with, and supports numerous women’s organizations. She has been a key speaker and host at a variety of women’s, entrepreneurial, and wellness events. In June 2016, the CFDA honored Norma with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. The same month, an iconic style exhibition celebrating her prolific career, Norma Kamali ─CITY: Fashion + Art + Culture, opened at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Today her brand is based on every aspect of a woman's life, from FITNESS, HEALTH, BEAUTY and STYLE toENTREPRENEURSHIP. This has now become the mantra of her company. Her belief in the strength of the internet, ecommerce and social media and being able to directly communicate with her followers is key to her day-to-day business. The future of the global, mobile connection to women around the world isan opportunity never seen before and perfect for her lifestyle concept.
The Wellness Café, the products in the Cafe, as well as the information and guidance Norma provides her followers is another aspect of her connection to women. By informing women on topics that relate to self-esteem, and body image, she feels their confidence can develop. A healthybody translates to a healthy mind and spirit. This is an empowered woman.
Her Stop Objectification campaignisan awareness campaign about the unique experiences a woman has regarding objectification. These issues involve all women around the world. Itis her goal to free women of the stigma of those experiences that can take them down emotionally and spiritually, inhibiting their chances for reaching their true potential.