Kors and Kamali: Similar Goals, Different Avenues

New York is abustle in a flurry of fashion. It’s that time of year again–a week where, though fall is upon us, we peer ahead to see what we’ll be wearing next spring. Despite a jam-packed schedule, I managed to see the collections of two designers I’ve admired over the years—Michael Kors and Norma Kamali.

Michael presented in the tents at Bryant Park, with his usual vivre and glamour. Anna Wintour and Michael Douglas appeared in the first row, and each guest received a bottle of Kor’s new perfume. His new garments feature fun and sexy cutouts in atypical patterns, while Lucite accessories lend an edgy quality to classic pieces.

I was delighted to see a plethora of female photographers at the show. Such diversity was unusual in the 1980s, when I appeared with Michael in Harper’s Bazaar as his modern muse—probably because I was one of a few women behind the lens. Kors will undoubtedly steal the spotlight in forthcoming industry press.

Norma Kamali, on the other hand, presented her new line for eBay outside the Apple Store in SoHo. Norma hasn’t participated in the traditional framework of fashion for some time. She’s stepped outside the brick and mortar model, using technology to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her business.

Norma’s collection is available exclusively online, promoted via an iPhone application and a game on roiworld.com. (You know you want to dress your avatar in her garb!) Her website offers free consultations with personal shoppers via Skype, and a Try Before You Buy option—eliminating a significant barrier to online sales. She manufactures solely in the USA, resulting in more rapid turnaround and superior quality control.

Of course, Norma always was unconventional. When I photographed Renee Toft Simonsen in a Kamali design for the December 1982 issue of Vogue, I received a thank you note written on plain white paper with blue magic marker–a refreshing, unpretentious gesture in an otherwise pretentious time! A designer had never thanked me, nor has one since.

Kors and Kamali furnish a compelling contrast. Both offer clothing for the everyday woman, but reach her through different channels. I laud Kamali’s attempts to move fashion forward through technology, providing increased transparency and accessibility. Should other designers follow suit, we may experience a consumer revolution within the fashion world.

One Response to “”

1. Tameka Alger says:

   October 28, 2010 at 5:31 pm

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