NORMAN NORELL COUTURE DESIGN AWARD

Iconic designer Norman Norell (1900-1972) is credited as the father of American high fashion, an accolade well-deserved for a long career which established the country’s fashion industry and made way for other important designers such as Bill Blass, James Galanos and Halston.

Norell, famed for his elegant evening gowns, suits and tailored silhouettes, dressed countless Hollywood stars and private clients including Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lady Bird Johnson and Lyn Revson.

Parsons School of Design, Norell Fragrances and Neiman Marcus partnered in the Spring of 2017, a first for all renowned institutions and tasked a select group of students to design their interpretation of a modern day Norell couture look. Much akin to a young designer taking the helm as creative director at an iconic fashion house it was their turn to take the challenge.

Anthony Galante was selected as the first place designer, chosen by an esteemed panel of judges that included Michael Avedon, Jeffrey Banks, Ken Downing, Jason Wu, Donald Loftus, Margaret Hayes, Ray Siegel and Burak Cakmak.

Galante’s winning gown was highlighted in a spread in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book alongside select fantasy gifts, available exclusively through Neiman Marcus for special order.