Teachers at Gramercy Arts High School wearing Norma Kamali suits
Teachers at Gramercy Arts High School wearing Norma Kamali suits

NEW YORK, Dec 17, 2008 / FW/ — Iconoclastic designer Norma Kamali partnered with Wal-Mart to create a line of affordable suits for professional women. The first designs are out and Norma Kamali created them with the public school teachers in mind.

Kamali, who had been involved in the public schools for the last 18 years prompted her to look at the impact the teachers could make in the classroom by dressing up for the class. To test her theory, the New York-based designer donated suits to the teachers at her New York City alma mater Gramercy Arts High School (formerly Washington Irving High School). The result – the students gave the teachers thumbs up!

An Award-winning designer, whose name is on the Fashion Walk of Fame, Norma Kamali partnered with Wal-Mart to empower women on a budget. A true-believer of her own creations, Kamali wears the $35 suit herself.

“My goal is to help women build self esteem, as well as a strong commitment to education in hopes that we all truly can be equal and to promote wellness with an awareness of good health through nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyle changes,” commented Ms. Kamali.

Teachers at Gramercy Arts High School wearing Norma Kamali suits
Teachers at Gramercy Arts High School wearing Norma Kamali suits

An innovative designer, Norma Kamali invented many designs that changed the fashion world forever like the sleeping bag coat and packable, multi-use clothing that can be worn sometimes up to thirty variations per design.

Kamali’s swimwear influences an entire industry easy season since her first collection in 1974. Many of her designs remain as popular as they were when they were originally introduced. Her passion for creating new ideas remains as strong today as it did when she began almost 40 years ago.

Norma Kamali’s deep interest in fitness, health and beauty, and a line of products in the wellness category can be seen online at www.normakamalicollection.com and in her wellness café at 11 West 56th Street, New York, NY.

Norma Kamali and Wal-Mart partnered to create Women’s Children’s, Home and Wellness categories for the launch of a timeless style collection for the discount retailer.

[MARI DAVIS]
Photos courtesy of Norma Kamali
The photos were taken at Gramercy Arts (formerly Washington Irving) High School and features real life teachers.

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