Decorating with Norma Kamali

There are so many fashion designers from the 1970s and 80s who unfortunately no longer receive the media coverage that they once did. Remember Jean-Charles de Castelbajac? He used to be everywhere. Same with Laura Biagiotti. One designer who still keeps on keeping on, though, is Norma Kamali. Although I suppose it could be said that Kamali's heyday was a few decades ago, she is still designing and innovating, a remarkable achievement in the fickle fashion world.

Although I was fairly familiar with Kamali, I did not know that she also designed home furnishings until I read a December 1988 HG article, the photos of which are seen here. At first glance, I assumed the photos depicted Kamali's grand apartment. I mean, I knew that Kamali was successful, but successful enough to live in such lavish surroundings? Turns out the Manhattan triplex was owned and occupied by someone who insisted upon anonymity. Kamali did, however, help to decorate the sumptuous apartment with pieces from her then new OMO home collection. The collection included upholstered pieces done up in black velvet, a wheat shaft table, and a fabulous mirror and ebonized wood dining table.

One thing that can be said about 1980s-era fashion is that the designers were not afraid to express their exuberant and at times over the top points of view. I suppose the same could be same of home furnishings of the era. And because I do have a nostalgic love of 80s fashion, I included a few vintage pieces from past Norma Kamali collections. Just read the captions with an Elsa Klensch accent and you'll swear you've been transported back to 1985.



The upholstered chairs, ottoman, and sofa were part of Kamali's Shape and Silhouette Collection.



Norma Kamali Plaid Pantsuit



The Wheat table and chairs, displayed in one corner of the salon, were part of Kamali's furniture collection.



Norma Kamali Metal Micro Studded Dress




Peering into the dining room.



Norma Kamali Leopard Print Dress



The ebonized wood and mirror inlay dining table, part of Kamali's OMO Home Collection, was set with the homeowner's collection of antique and vintage silver.



Norma Kamali Goddess Dress



The Salon. The crystal basket on the mantelpiece was once a chandelier.




Kamali's glamorous and eccentrically decorated dressing table.


All photos from House & Garden, December 1988; Eric Boman photographer.