Norman Norell

Norman Norell was born on April 20, 1900 in Noblesville, Indiana was an American fashion designer, known for his elegant suits and tailored silhouettes.

The son of a haberdasher, from early childhood Norell had an ambition to become an artist. After spending a short period at military school during World War I, in 1918 Norell began attending Parsons School of Design in New York City. He later went on to study at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Starting in 1922, Norell joined the New York studio of Paramont Pictures where he designed clothing for movie stars (including Gloria Swanson). He later designed costumes for Broadway shows. From 1928 until 1941 he worked for Hattie Carnegie in New York City. In 1943, Norell won the Coty Fashion Award. He went on to teach at Parsons School of Design from 1943 until 1972. To date, Norell is thought by many in the fashion industry to be the foremost designer in American history.