Norman Norell (1900-1972) was a highly acclaimed American fashion designer renowned for his sophisticated and refined creations. With a lifelong passion for artistry, Norell embarked on his creative journey by studying illustration at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York in 1919, before further honing his skills in fashion design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn from 1920 to 1922.

Norell’s illustrious career began to blossom when he secured positions as a costume designer for Paramount Pictures and for theatrical productions on Broadway in New York City. His exceptional talent quickly garnered attention, and he had the privilege of designing costumes for luminaries such as Gloria Swanson and other notable stars of silent movies. In 1928, he was recruited by renowned fashion designer Hattie Carnegie, where he showcased his exceptional flair until 1941.

In 1943, Norell received significant recognition for his contributions to the fashion industry when he won a Coty Fashion Award. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of critic at the fashion department of the Pratt Institute, further solidifying his status as a respected authority in the field.

Determined to make his mark on the fashion world, Norell forged a partnership with Anthony Traina, giving birth to the esteemed fashion company known as Traina-Norrell. By 1944, Norell’s evening dresses and designs had gained widespread acclaim, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts across the globe. His signature style was characterized by its simplicity, elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and opulent materials. Norell’s designs, particularly those tailored for evening wear, were revered not only in the United States but also by discerning couturiers in Paris.

Notably, Norell achieved several prestigious milestones in his career. He was the first American designer to affix his name to a dress label, making him a trailblazer in the industry. Additionally, he became the first American designer to launch a successful fragrance bearing his name. In 1968, the original Norell fragrance was introduced, capturing the essence of his exquisite designs. Reflecting the continued legacy of his brand, a modern version of the fragrance, Norell New York, was launched by Parlux in 2015. Norell’s olfactory creations include a total of four perfumes in our fragrance base, with the earliest edition dating back to 1968 and the most recent released in 2017. These fragrances were developed in collaboration with esteemed perfumers Josephine Catapano and Celine Barel, further exemplifying Norell’s commitment to excellence and innovation.