Roaring '20s Revival: The Norma Kamali S/S 26 Collection

S/S 26 Show

First and foremost, I want to thank Norma and her team for inviting me to the show to write for my very first fashion show! I’m over the moon right now! Can’t thank them enough for being a formative part of my experience in NYC. Now to the collection. In a world of revisitation in fashion, we’ve seen aesthetics ranging from the '50s to the '00s be recycled in and out of culture countless times. With this collection, Norma shows favor to a century old aesthetic that resembles the highs of the Roaring '20s.

S/S 26 Show

This collection has a modern twist on classic 1920’s womenswear. In the lineup there are 3 sections represented. Grey, pink, and black/white. All the variations seem like they convey a different style within the time period. The grey focused more on silhouettes and semi formal wear. This is where you’ll find puffed shoulders, metallic dresses, and pleated skirts. There’s certainly a few references to 1920s prep as well; complete with a grey canvas of the collegiate look that leaves the door open for further styling. Looking at this part of the collection damn near made me eager to eat finger sandwiches and drink tea with the guys in Central Park. That said, I'd probably leave the bonnetts at home, don't know if I can pull those off.

S/S 26 Show

The pink section seemed to focus on the showgirl looks of the era. These were handily some of the most fun designs of the collection. For example: The swimsuits resemble a '20s artistic swimming show girl vibe. I don’t think modern luxury is the word to describe it, a better description would be elegant leisure. Ironically enough it takes swimwear to the next level by taking a few steps back. However, it’s thoughtful and show stopping, truly a period piece in its own right. There were also pink almost hairy shawls that give this part of the collection a playful twist. In my eyes the shawl has the power to elevate and neutralize the outfit simultaneously. This section feels like an ode to elegance and intentionality, both for the designer and the consumer.

S/S 26

Lastly, we have the black/white lineup. This section is focused on the formal black tie look. In all honesty, this might be the most underwhelming of the bunch. I would’ve loved to see more ebullient designs from this section. When I think of the '20s I think of the formalwear more than anything. I’m so down for taking the color out of the era and focusing more on silhouette, but this didn’t hit me as hard as the other pieces. Draping is a recurring theme, which is no doubt true to era but it leaves a lot to be desired. The highlights on this side of the collection are more form fitting. The black/white easily flaunts the design more than the looser pieces. No doubt this section is elegant, no doubt it makes a statement, it just isn’t making a statement I’m captured by.

For the most part the Norma Kamali S/S 26 show was great. She showcased her eye for a lost aesthetic and the ability to revive it. I’m eager to see what my Instagram feed looks like a year from now when everyone is rocking the 1920’s look born through Norma’s eyes; complete with bonnets and all. We all know what happened after the Roaring 20s, so let’s hope this isn’t foreshadowing the 2030’s. Huge thank you once again to Norma and her team for the invitation.

Favorite looks from the show: