Norma Kamali Resort 2022
“Swimwear sold no matter what stage we were in in COVID-19,” Norma Kamali explained over Zoom. “So what I did was triple the size of her swimwear collection, and everything sold. The next phase is expanding more cover-ups, which we had, but even making that bigger, and looking at this category holistically, because it’s year-round. But it’s not just swimwear, it’s bodysuits, it’s used for everything. This is my happy place.”
On top of a boatload of new swimwear, Kamali layered in “uniform” pieces — signature track suits, suiting, leggings, sleeping bag coats, etc. — with “special pieces” like playfully glam gold lame gowns and fluid separates, parachute jumpsuits, tiered skirts and more (some of which would be offered in a more limited run) for resort. The mix of casual and dressy, worn together, was one of the designer’s main messages of the season.
The look: A combination of “uniforms and special pieces.”
Quote of note: “Resort is heavily weighted in swimwear, and then the fantasy part.…I’ve been talking about the idea of uniforms for quite some time, and I still feel very strongly believe we live in uniforms. We were in the sweats uniform for a period of time, and we all have an identity uniform. The concept is very present and the more the fashion industry balances and filters out the idea of one-of-a-kind clothing balanced with the uniform, I think is looking more and more perfect and special and meaningful. So, this collection I started to bring in some of that feeling, for spring, even more so.”
The takeaway: For Kamali, casualization isn’t going anywhere. However, marrying everyday fashions with more eccentric, “one-of-a-kind” limited run styles will keep her customer’s wardrobes feeling fresh and unique.
