Norman Norell
View Similar Items
Norman Norell
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 27 in (68.58 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wool Herringbone
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU121219441110
Norman Norell
The signature details that characterize vintage Norman Norell evening dresses include classically tailored silhouettes, feminine round necklines and tenderly applied beading, carefully inspected both inside and out. Pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe wore many of Norell’s classic dresses over the years. And as a young model for a Seventh Avenue clothing manufacturer, screen siren Lauren Bacall liked to scour the racks of Loehmann’s with her mother, looking for the odd piece by a famous designer like Norell.
Norell began his career in his early 20s, designing costumes for Paramount Pictures and Brooks Costume Company, as well as for esoteric vaudeville productions. The theater remained a major source of inspiration throughout his career. Often drenched in beads or sequins, a material that remained readily available despite wartime restrictions, his show-stopping mermaid gowns, a marriage of glitz and simplicity, harken back to the days of vaudeville. He continued to design these gowns until the end of his life.
Raised in a family of haberdashers, Norell was long-influenced by the cuts, fabrics and details of traditional menswear, and he sought to incorporate those concepts into his designs. In 1960, at a moment when women were not yet wearing pants to work, he made waves when he presented his then-controversial wool flannel culotte suit. Some years later, he designed a black dinner suit with a bow-tie, beating Yves Saint Laurent to the punch, and later still, he conceived a feminine version of an aviator jumpsuit.
A creature of habit, Norell stuck with many of his classic designs throughout his career, but he continued to experiment with avant-garde ideas for evening garments. This was perhaps most vividly expressed in his wild coats, runway crowd-pleasers adorned with ostrich feathers or massive red and pink flowers.
A fan of a full dirndl, Norell made skirts that ranged from delicately creased to voluminous balloons, and he frequently paired these with pleated blouses or tight turtlenecks. One of the first designers to incorporate traditional elements of sportswear into his evening attire, a typical Norell evening gown was divided into three separate colors: one for the top, one for the skirt and one for the sash. And vintage Norman Norell gowns are inherently versatile — they’re as modern today as they were decades ago. The little black dresses that Norell designed offered similar flexibility. Perfectly simple and sexy are the round necklines, which Norell introduced to declutter his dresses and allow for a more modern look.
Norell was the first American designer to have his name on a dress label and on a successful fragrance. He possessed a refined elegance and a quiet audacity that he expressed through timeless, wearable pieces boldly embellished with luxe trimmings. His work would come to redefine the American ready-to-wear industry and earn him the nickname the “American Balenciaga.” He received the inaugural Coty Award for womenswear and was the first designer inducted into the fashion industry critics’ hall of fame.
Find vintage Norman Norell day dresses, suits, jackets and other clothing on 1stDibs.
- Norman Norell Linen Coat and Dress EnsembleLocated in New York, NYNorman Norell, natural color, linen coat and dress ensemble. Dress is a simple sleeveless, belted sheath with a scoop neck and a deep open back. Coat i...Category
1960s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Galanos Nautical Inspired Pant EnsembleBy GalanosLocated in New York, NYJames Galanos, navy with ivory trim, nautical inspired pant and top ensemble. Tunic top, has a square neckline, having semi fitted bodice, which flares at...Category
1970s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Galanos Satin Tunic and Wide Leg Pant EnsembleBy James GalanosLocated in New York, NYGalanos, black, satin back crepe, pyjama top and pant ensemble. Top is smock like, with a high, square neck line and ends below the hip, having full sleeves that gather above the wri...Category
1970s American Pajamas
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Pastel Tone Liberty Print EnsembleBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, liberty print, cotton chintz, smock top and single tiered skirt ensemble in a pale nude tone, with small pastel colored...Category
1970s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Collection Tunic and Pant EnsembleBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, navy and yellow, patterned, Chinese collection, tunic and pant ensemble. Tunic has a jewel neckline, with a side butto...Category
1970s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Geoffrey Beene Tweed Skirt Suit with Tulle ScarfBy Geoffrey BeeneLocated in New York, NYGeoffrey Beene, black and white wool tweed, skirt suit, having black stitching trompe-l'oeil details at the collar and waist. Jacket closes with a tie at the waist, center front Skirt has the same black top stitching detail as the jacket . Jacket has a raglan sleeve. Suit comes with a tulle rectangular scarf...Category
1980s American Skirt Suits
- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 2001 co-ord mesh shirt and trousers Bacteria printBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Genève, CHCo-ord set with iconic Bacteria print from Gaultier SS 2001, fantastic condition. Made in Italy. Set is Top is in size XL, made of extremely flexible polyamide mesh and can fit from...Category
Early 2000s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
$569 Sale Price20% Off - Gianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990'sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990's 2 Piece - Jacket and Skirt co-ord. Waffle Suede Detail. Medusa Clear Buttons. Very Rare Piece. CONDITION: This item is a vintage...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Kenzo Jungle Velvet Red SuitBy Kenzo JungleLocated in London, GBKenzo Jungle Red Suit Jacket Blazer Skirt Floral Velvet Suit Jacket and Skirt Co-Ord Set Velvety Rose Pattern Detail CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some sign...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Dolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt SuitBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some signs of natural wear and age are to be expected. However good ...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Christian Dior John Galliano Spring 2003 Skirt & Spring 2000 Top Size 44FRBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLChristian Dior John Galliano Spring 2003 Skirt & Spring 2000 Top Size 44FRCategory
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits
- Vintage 1960's Christian Dior Peach Pink Silk Skirt Suit UK 6 US 2By Christian DiorLocated in Cheltenham, GBMade in the most elegant shade of blushing peach silk, this original 1960's Christian Dior skirt suit, is a rare addition to your vintage collection. The rounded neckline of the jacket is framed by a stand-away panelled collar which draws together along the front left hand side with a matching blush peach coloured button fastening. The simple shoulder line sets off the full length sleeves. The tailored cut of the jacket boasts a double breasted design with four mock button fastenings along the right hand side of the bodice and four button fastenings along the left hand side. The elegant cut, is accented by tailored darts that run upwards along either side of the front of the fitted waistline, which boasts a matching fabric belt, embellished with a stylised bow, which conceals the hook and eye fastening. The lightly flared hemline is accented by gathered pleats from beneath the waistline and along the back of the jacket . The matching skirt boasts a simple waistband and a central hook and eye and metal zip fastening. The line of the skirt is accented by gathered pleats that radiate from beneath the waistline, completing this suit in a truly iconic 1960's Christian Dior Silhouette. The skirt is silk lined Label: Christian Dior - London, Modèle Original, Made in England Measurements of the Jacket Armpit to Armpit: up to 38 inches Shoulder to Hem: 21.5 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Shoulder to End of Sleeve: 19 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches Fastenings: 4 external buttons, an internal button along the neckline and an internal press stud along the waist. Measurements of the Skirt Waist: up to 24 inches Waist to Hem: 25 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: This skirt fastens along the back with a press stud, a hook and eye and an 8 inch metal zip. Size: UK 6 US 2 Condition: This dress set is in perfect vintage condition. An age mark to the back left hand side of the skirt just above the hemline . A small age mark along the back right hand side of the skirt just above the hemline. A very light water mark along the back right hand side of the skirt near the zip. A small age mark along the right hand side sleeve just above the cuff hemline. Very light water marks along the armpits. Very light surface discolouration along the shoulder seams and side of the collar. These minor details are not apparent when the suit is being worn and only noticeable upon close inspection. Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned or hand washed in cool water. Fabric: Worsted Silk, Silk Lined Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson, we try our very best to note all the details of each garment, although we may sometimes overlook things, which we do apologise for. Please do not expect perfection, unless stated so. Please make sure you check all the measurements of the garment before purchasing...Category
1960s Skirt Suits