Paneled in white marble and lit with glimmering overhead bulbs, this multi-story shop would feel more like a stylish Greek temple than a retail outpost if it weren’t for the racks of clothes and rows of godlike white mannequins proudly draped with Kamali’s latest creations. Walking through the sleek, open space can feel like putting yourself on display, especially since the smooth walls and ceiling practically flash your reflection as you peruse the well-curated selection of eveningwear, languid jersey knits and tailored suits. A fashion icon, Kamali opened this shop in 1978, though her famous sleeping bag coats, pull bikinis, and one-piece swimsuits had been flying off the racks since a decade earlier. By the millennium, the brand had grown to encompass makeup, olive oil-based wellness/home products and even fizzy drinks and flower-based snacks. And because everyone should feel like a celebrity, the store offers a Shop Like a Celebrity Service: Customers can have items sent to their home, where they can try pieces on at leisure and return whatever doesn’t work. — Faran Alexis Krentcil
10.0
"Highly Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
If you don't know Norma Kamali-you don't know fashion. She began long ago what I see many designers copying now! Not to mention her store design inside is so dramatic! If you want a swimsuit that will turns heads, or garments that will survive 2 generations or more-buy a NK piece. Let me tell you from experience-it will last you for 18 years-and counting-and still in style! Her poly-jersey collection-No iron, just wash and go, quick dry,lasts for over 20 years and counting-doesn't fade! Need I say more? Convertible skirt that can be a dress or top or whatever! I have a red convertible skirt and have worn it 5 different ways so far, and get compliments on it everytime! (Fabulous, Chic, Timeless-always! If I can own a an outfit for over 20 years, wear it at least once a week, and it still looks new, I owe Norma $$! That's what I call a bargain! -and check out her Vintage sections..Amazing!
The shopping experience at Norma Kamali is one of a kind. Manequins hang from the ceiling for you to see her collection, and then a personal shopper grabs your size for you. There is always a possibility that you are one of a few that have a certain item because she cuts only a certain amount of each size to sew. Who doesn't love to wear something that is basically one of a kind. Norma is the bathing suit guru. This years Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition featured not 1 Norma Kamali swimsuit. There was one in an advertisemnt for three olives vodka though. The funny thing is that the other designers swimsuits all look like the swimsuits that Norma has already been doing. GET YOUR OWN STYLE!!! Your suits will never be NORMA KAMALI