Norma Kamali's Timeless Fashion Journey

Challenging industry norms can open new markets and redefine customer expectations.

"I love to meet people and listen to ideas... I probably nine times out of ten will have the conversation."

• Norma embraced partnerships others avoided.• Her Walmart collaboration redefined accessible fashion.

Maintaining your brand values can lead to sustained success over decades.

"I love to feel good in clothes... I've always, I'm still that same person."

• Consistent brand ethos resonates with customers.• Commitment to comfort and quality sustained Norma's brand.

Early adoption of technology can provide competitive advantages and open new channels.

"I actually had a website in like between '95 and '98... I just wanted to jump right in."

• Embraced e-commerce ahead of competitors.• Leveraged technology to expand reach.

Offering core wardrobe essentials can meet customer needs and appeal to mass markets.

"I told them that they should have the core of a wardrobe... the basics."

• Norma advised Walmart to focus on core pieces.• This strategy led to successful mass-market distribution.

Addressing product copying creatively can turn challenges into opportunities.

"I decided to... send her a pattern of the dress with instructions on how to make it."

• Norma turned a knockoff situation into a positive gesture.• Maintained brand integrity by controlling quality.

Strategic partnerships can amplify distribution and marketing efforts, reaching a wider audience.

"They introduced me to Sidney Kimmel... We signed a deal in two weeks, we were in business."

• Partnered with Jones Apparel to scale production.• Expanded brand globally through licensing.

Protecting your product designs is crucial in maintaining your business's uniqueness and value.

"I didn't know what to do. So I contacted Women's Wear Daily... and they said, do not show it to anybody."

• Norma sought advice to protect her designs.• She partnered strategically to scale while maintaining control.

Overcoming business challenges may require starting over independently to pursue your vision.

"I had $98 to my name... and I just left."

• Norma parted ways with her former business to stay true to her vision.• She started 'OMO' (On My Own) to begin anew.

Transitioning to designing your own products can help differentiate your business and control your offerings.

"I started to make some things and I would put them in the store to see how they would do and they would do really well."

• Norma began to create her own designs to test the market.• Designing in-house allowed for better product control.

Sourcing unique products from abroad can help entrepreneurs identify and fill gaps in their local market.

"I would go to London and it was pretty early on that I started to bring back clothes for friends of mine who were saying you've got to get me this, this."

• Norma identified demand for unique clothing not available locally.• She leveraged personal travel to source products and meet this demand.