Norman Norell

Norman David Levinson, born in Noblesville, Indiana, changed his name to Norman Norell after moving to New York to study fashion illustration at the Parsons School of Design. He worked briefly as a costume designer for the Astoria Studio of Paramount Pictures when he was 22. In 1924 he joined Charles Armour where he designed an upscale line of dresses and then left to work for Hattie Carnegie. Norell gained invaluable experience in his twelve years with Carnegie, with whom he worked closely. And while with her, he designed Gertrude Lawrence's "modern clothes" for the first run of "Lady in the Dark".

Was a designer for Hattie Carnegie. Under whose name he would design Gertrude Lawrence's "modern clothes" for the original production of "LADY IN THE DARK". He would later start his own design firm with partner Anthony Traina, calling the firm Traina-Norell. The clothes produced under this association would be considered to finest in American taste and quality during the 1940's and 1950's.

He then decided to work for Anthony Traina and the first Traina-Norell collection was launched in 1941. As a result of the war, more attention was turned to American producers and Norell was to benefit greatly from the exposure.

In 1943 he was the first to receive the prestigious Coty Award.

By 1960, Norell's name alone appeared on the label. Norell was well known for his classy simple wool dresses with a high round neckline, the sequined cocktail dress, and various playful sailor motifs. He remained on the main stage of American fashion until his death and his clothes continue to be both collected and worn to this day.