Norman Norell was a pioneer of the American fashion industry. He would be the first American designer to have his name on a dress label as well as the first successful designer-named fragrance. One of his greatest contributions lives on in the CFDA itself, which he founded. Integrity was one of his greatest attributes and it was important that he give back by helping out new and emerging designers.

Norells’s father owned a haberdashery, which was a store that specialized in men’s clothing. This influence would be visible in his design aesthetic, as he favored a more minimal sophisticated silhouette, and elements of menswear. He would attend both the Parson’s School of Design and the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. After school he would join the New York studio of Paramount Pictures and create looks for silent film legends such as Gloria Swanson. He would also design costumes for Broadway before working for Hattie Carnegie for the 12 years.

In 1940, he formed the label Traina-Norell with Anthony Traina, a high-end clothing manufacturer. They designed and produced clothing whose quality paralleled the couture of Paris. When World War II cut off French fashion from America, Norell’s creations quickly filled the gap. Not bothered by the rationing of fabric, Norell designed slimmer dropped-waist chemise dresses, reminiscent of his favorite period, the 1920’s.

A pioneer of American fashion, he felt that “less was more” and created simple necklines and slimming more body-conscious designs. For evening he would use paillettes, which were not rationed, to create sparkling evening wear. His dramatic but minimalist approach would be finished off by a daring bathing suit neckline. Back in 1940, it was Norell who would introduce leopard prints, years before they were a fashionable classic.

After Traina’s death in 1960, Norell bought the company and renamed it “Norman Norell”. He was the first designer to receive a Coty Award and the first to be nominated into the Coty Hall of Fame. He was a fashion icon of impeccable quality, taste, and integrity. Norell was so concerned with the quality of his garments that no manufacturing changes could be made once he had approved a design. Even today, Norman Norell’s creations are popular vintage pieces because of their incredible quality and classic design.

Teaching his craft was a passion of Norman Norell’s and he taught at Parson’s School of Design throughout his successful career. His status as mentor for the fashion industry would be solidified when he established the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His memory lives on as the CFDA helps emerging designers to become the fashion innovators of tomorrow.