She was the commencement speaker at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s 50th anniversary commencement.
Her swimwear has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
So why write about her in a column about bargains and ways to save money?
Kamali’s designs are now available to the masses via her collections sold at Walmart stores.
The fall collection that’s out now features dresses, pants, skirts, tops and jackets ranging from casual to potentially formal.
I couldn’t help myself on a recent trip to the Bechtle Avenue store (it’s not available at the Tuttle Road location) and walked out with three knit dresses, a pair of wide-leg knit pants and a sleeveless cowl neck top.
Two of the dresses are sleeveless knits — one black and one black and white animal print — with shirring at the waist, which is universally flattering. The pants and top can be worn together with the right accessories for a more formal occasion or be dressed down with a casual sweater or jacket.
None of the pieces was more than $18, and everything is machine washable. The entire line is available through the Norma Kamali brand shop at walmart.com
I was shopping in Cincinnati with my friend, Karen, over the weekend, and we came across a similar black dress at a specialty boutique that cost four times as much.
Other designers are getting (or have been) in on the act, too, and Target is capitalizing on their talent.
Anna Sui, who designs pricey, feminine pieces that sell in her upscale boutiques around the world, has created more affordable versions for the rest of us.
Her current line for Target features dresses ranging from a traditional grey sheath with some punky details to flowing silk prints found in dresses and tops. Prices range from $19.99 to $69.99; most pieces are available only on-line at target.com.
Mossimo Giannulli, whose surf-inspired clothing line started in the late 1980s, has been designing Mossimo for Target for almost a decade.
His line is mostly casual, revolving around jeans, T-shirts and sweaters; most pieces are under $30.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
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