Norma Kamali | Sick City Windows

June 28, 2012

Summer Suiting

Okay so this is a totally vintage pic of my lil sis and I, back in Florida when we were super tan with killer bods. Okay so she’s still super tan with a killer bod, and it’s just me who’s the brunette Christina Hendricks, but still…

If you’re wondering what the fuck kind of shades I’m “rocking”- I am too. weird 90s’ness. The only explanation is that I left my Chanellos at home, or lost them at sea and some un-chic person leant me these in the interest of saving my beautiful retinas. As much as it pains me not to have a recent bikini shot (that was my New Year’s resolution after all), fat or not, it’s time for me to acknowledge the fact that it is summer. So, from my latest broadcast, let’s talk swim… wear that is.

(Bottega Veneta Basket Weave Bikini, Norma Kamali Ruffled)

Underwire bikini tops make for great suits as they give the perfect lift to every bust. Avoid looking like you left home in your bra, with a style that is textured, patterned or ruffled.

(Noelle Holly Ruched Swimsuit, Mara Hoffman Beaded Plunge-Front Swimsuit, Zimmermann Savannah Floral Strapless)

Gone are the days of boring one-pieces, these singular suits now come in endless variety, and are often times plenty more chic than their two-piece counterparts. To create shape go for side cut outs or a deep V. To conceal, try a bold color that’s either ruched, belted or one-shouldered.

(Marc by Marc Jacobs, Melissa Odabash Maine Triangle Bikini)

Triangle tops can be tricky as they offer little by way of support, but they’re still one of the most classic (and popular) styles around. Rock the look with bright colors and fun patterns—and don’t be afraid to mix and match.

(Melissa Odabash Evita Bikini, Mara Hoffman Carnival Swimsuit, Dolce & Gabbana Daisy Bikini)

Bandeaus have recently become a styling mainstay and when it comes to swimwear, they’re the perfect choice for anyone looking to avoid tan lines. Knotted or not, one piece or two- you’ll be perfectly bronzed through and through.

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April 24, 2012

Le Turb.

For those of you just getting on the flower halo, crown, whatever it is bandwagon– don’t you fucking dare. Not only are they considerably less chic than having your shaman weave real flora through your locks, rousing your animal spirit while tripping in a bus on your way to ‘roo–by now you should know that once something makes it to Pinterest its over, like Mandy Moore over. Don’t blame me, blame your trend whoring selves.

We all remember feathers right? Who could forget! One naked hippie at Burning Man thinks its a good idea to accessorize with the plumage of a dead peacock and all of a sudden the free bird look is in. I can’t lie, I too found myself quill visioned, scouring the 103 degree city for just the right colors to say “Hey, I fly high in first class but I’m still grounded,” and let me tell you there were none. Why? Because all of the continental U.S. was doing the same– young, old, Roseanne.

It wasn’t until a friend of mine told me about her stripper friend “doing feathers” for cheap (no pun intended) and poof there I was living out my rooster fantasy. For a total of eleven minutes until I got home and realized I looked more of a dick than the cock I set out to. Promptly liberating my locks (in the process losing 6 months of hard earned growth!) I took a long look in the mirror (is there any other kind?) and scolded myself for the first time since Rocketdogs for getting on a runaway trend train.

So while flowers are having their (belated) moment in fashion- I’d like to take a moment for le turb. Another hair’cessory with a shelf like of about three more minutes, okay three and a half- before they too flood Pinterest and fest heads all over. Just remember ladies, its super important to find one that speaks eloquently and dignified, telling the outside world, ”I’m some kind of ethnic– caucasian its called, but my turb is definitely Lanvin!” Happy pinning. I mean shopping.

The Star: Anna Sui Star Printed, The Tan: Eugenia Kim Chiara, The Red: Lanvin Crepe Jersey, The Pink: Eugenia Kim Chiara, The Missoni: Zigzag Crochet Knit, The Black: Norma Kamali

Images courtesy of ManRepeller & Style.Lifegoesstrong.com.

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January 21, 2012

Norma’s Model-Kins

Norma Kamali is an industry veteran on the forefront of innovative technology when it comes to branding. Kamali has used bar code embedded mannequins that give window shoppers the opportunity to purchase from outside, composed an entirely 3-D runway presentation and launched a unique “try before you buy” program, giving clients a 48 hour window to try online purchases at home before buying. Kamali has a futuristic foresight that is beyond impressive for a designer of her tenure and even launched her e-commerce site in the early 90′s, lightyears away from the e-com boom of today and at a time when no one could predict the importance of an online presence.

Visually speaking, from her use of mannequins with computers as heads to a display of stacked tv’s, today Norma’s windows are no less on the cutting edge, featuring larger than life model-kins rather than traditional anonymous mannequins. On her photos turned sick window display, Norma said in a 2011 interview for Stylecaster, that the decision has not only “had a profound effect on the people coming into the store” but arose out of her desire for the “life-like quality of what a photograph can translate.“

And it is true, upon walking past the grandiose flagship where gold flags wave you haply forth like a child who just won the Golden Ticket, you do feel a real sense of profundity and realism; something that has been vacant from the face-less expanse of store fronts. Whereas most retailers rely on nondescript mannequins to give passerby’s the imaginative sense of being able to wear a certain look, Norma actually gives you real faces and forms and warm invitation inside!

Normally I match windows with their runway shows but Norma’s spring windows are in progress and I am not going back to winter, so here are my favorites for spring and hold tight for their sick upcoming display!