Norma Kamali’s spring 2027 collection was divided into three distinct parts: romance, body con, and basics. The designer isn’t really a T-shirt and jeans kind of person, but West Village girls have to get dressed. Plus stores were asking for denim, so Kamali revisited the slim Studio 54 jeans she first cut in 1977, and expanded the range to include different fits. She paired these with black and white tees printed with self-affirming quotes from her 2021 book, I Am Invincible. Sometimes there is strength in being comfortable, so Kamali put her spin on the tracksuit. A zip-up with stripes down the length of the arm was worn with bold black and white striped pajama-style pants.
Romance came into the collection in shades of taupe. Kamali described a cropped smocked off-the-shoulder top as being “like jewelry.” Also precious were burnout velvets and delicate soutache embroidery. To maintain the allure of sheerness, the designer offered mesh bodysuits to wear under gossamer garments.
The most dynamic part of the collection, a series of skin baring dresses with graphic cut-outs, showed off the body to its best advantage. They were based on Kamali’s expertise as a swimwear designer, and the silhouette had a dolphin-like sleekness. Some were worn with power mesh rash guards. “The girl who goes to the gym can take this gown and roll it up in her gym bag too,” the designer said. “It’s a different kind of active.”
Kamali seemed especially proud of these pieces. “I did all these myself in a day,” she said. “I mean, if you love the honor of having a creative life, then just be creative in it and enjoy it.”
