The signature details that characterize vintage Norman Norell evening dresses include classically tailored silhouettes, feminine round necklines and tenderly applied beading, carefully inspected both inside and out. Pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe wore many of Norell’s classic dresses over the years. And as a young model for a Seventh Avenue clothing manufacturer, screen siren Lauren Bacall liked to scour the racks of Loehmann’s with her mother, looking for the odd piece by a famous designer like Norell.
Norell began his career in his early 20s, designing costumes for Paramount Pictures and Brooks Costume Company, as well as for esoteric vaudeville productions. The theater remained a major source of inspiration throughout his career. Often drenched in beads or sequins, a material that remained readily available despite wartime restrictions, his show-stopping mermaid gowns, a marriage of glitz and simplicity, harken back to the days of vaudeville. He continued to design these gowns until the end of his life.
Raised in a family of haberdashers, Norell was long-influenced by the cuts, fabrics and details of traditional menswear, and he sought to incorporate those concepts into his designs. In 1960, at a moment when women were not yet wearing pants to work, he made waves when he presented his then-controversial wool flannel culotte suit. Some years later, he designed a black dinner suit with a bow-tie, beating Yves Saint Laurent to the punch, and later still, he conceived a feminine version of an aviator jumpsuit.
A creature of habit, Norell stuck with many of his classic designs throughout his career, but he continued to experiment with avant-garde ideas for evening garments. This was perhaps most vividly expressed in his wild coats, runway crowd-pleasers adorned with ostrich feathers or massive red and pink flowers.
A fan of a full dirndl, Norell made skirts that ranged from delicately creased to voluminous balloons, and he frequently paired these with pleated blouses or tight turtlenecks. One of the first designers to incorporate traditional elements of sportswear into his evening attire, a typical Norell evening gown was divided into three separate colors: one for the top, one for the skirt and one for the sash. And vintage Norman Norell gowns are inherently versatile — they’re as modern today as they were decades ago. The little black dresses that Norell designed offered similar flexibility. Perfectly simple and sexy are the round necklines, which Norell introduced to declutter his dresses and allow for a more modern look.
Norell was the first American designer to have his name on a dress label and on a successful fragrance. He possessed a refined elegance and a quiet audacity that he expressed through timeless, wearable pieces boldly embellished with luxe trimmings. His work would come to redefine the American ready-to-wear industry and earn him the nickname the “American Balenciaga.” He received the inaugural Coty Award for womenswear and was the first designer inducted into the fashion industry critics’ hall of fame.
Find vintage Norman Norell day dresses, suits, jackets and other clothing on 1stDibs.
NORMAN NORELL Black Wool Double Breasted Coat With Waist Detail, Late 1960's
By Norman Norell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Norman Norell (1900-1972) is considered to be one of the original fashion designers of the modern American style. His sophisticated silhouettes were both tailored and timeless with a...
Norman Norell Blackglama Designer Vintage Mink Coat Size Large (10-12)
By Norman Norell
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This very chic "What Becomes A Legend Most" Blackglama (mink of the highest quality) was designed by the legendary Norman Norell. He was kno...
Norell Pale Lemon Wool Coat, 1960s.
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Norell pale lemon yellow wool double breasted coat 1960s. Heavy weight wool with impeccable double breasted tailoring. Princess seaming.
Label missing.
Length: 38.5"...
Norman Norell Gray Flannel Cape
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Norman Norell Gray Wool Flannel Cape with 2 arm slits. Bell shaped with large cutaway notched collar and double breasted closure. Immaculately tailored by Norell with black silk ta...
1960 Norman Norell Silk Satin Abstract Polka Dot Maxi Opera Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Norman Norell silk satin opera coat/maxi coat with abstract polka-dot print and flocked velvet dots scattered throughout pattern. Fully lined in...
NORMAN NORELL for MICHAEL FORREST of New York sumptuous Natural Mink Coat
By Norman Norell, Michael Forrest New York
Located in Los Angeles, CA
NORMAN NORELL for MICHAEL FORREST of New York, Vintage natural mink fur coat from the 1970s Tapered arms with Flared cuffs Midi-length Tapered body and...
Norell A Line Grey Wool Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Elegant grey flannel wool A-line coat by Norman Norell. Double breasted fastening with taupe silk lining. Heavy quality construction with bound buttonholes and gusseted kimono 3/4 sl...
J. MENDEL blue & black Chinchilla fur vest
By J Mendel
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Striking blue and black dyed Chinchilla vest from J. Mendel. Very flattering seam construction and subtle ombre colorway. There is no size indicated, h...
2015 CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO Cornely Embroidered runway coat with fur trim
By Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Cornely embroidered runway coat made of wool and silk with shearling collar and fox fur hem designed by Phoebe Philo exactly as seen on fall 2015 runway. This ...
Haute Couture Black Embroidered French Silk Net Fringed Shawl- 40", 1900s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Despite being over a century old, this intricate mantilla is as colorful and perfect as the day it was made. Similar in complexity to a piano shawl but half the traditional size (and twice as delicate) it is one of the most exquisite we have ever seen. Entirely handmade, its subtle color, delicate workmanship recalls designs by Maison Lesage. *From the personal collection of Mme. Gilberte Garros, sister of French war aviator and French Open namesake Roland Garros.* Spanish mantilla...
Brand new lightweight Canadian lynx fur coat detachable hood size 24 ~no duties
Located in Montreal, Quebec
DESCRIPTION : Brand new Canadian lynx fur coat with detachable hood size 24 XXL Huge portrait collar, straight sleeves, integraded belt, double...
1970s Jean Varon Russet Wool Crepe Cape
By Jean Varon
Located in London, GB
During the 1960s and beyond, English fashion designer John Bates designed visionary modernist clothing under the name Jean Varon. This graceful 1970s maxi-cape, with its ankle-grazin...
Vintage Cat Leopard Print Fur Jacket - Car Coat
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning, supple leopard print on a sheared fur. Has attached black fur, not mink, maybe a fox. This is shown on a dress form that is a size 2-4 and there is room. Please refer to th...
1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Winter warm 1970's tan sheepskin shearling fur coat by San Francisco manufacturer Furs by Max. Beautiful embroidery throughout the front and seams of coat. Coat hits right below the ...
Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka
By Canada Goose
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka - your key to unbeatable warmth and style! Crafted by Canada Goose, the Expedition Parka is your go-to choice for all adventures. Designed to keep you cozy in the harshest of conditions, the expedition parka is a wardrobe essential for any adventurer. With an array of pockets, it's your perfect companion for keeping essentials at your fingertips, whether you're hiking, traveling, or just out and about. Featuring a drawstring hood and a luxurious natural coyote fur trim, this parka keeps the cold at bay while providing a touch of elegance. Built with a nylon lining, it's engineered to tackle extreme climates and conditions, making it ideal for your winter expeditions. Stand out in the crowd with its striking bright red color. Be both warm and fashionable this winter season! Style this with some Moncler pants, a Louis Vuitton beanie...
Versace F/W 2011 Runway Mink Fur and Leather Belted Knee-Length Red Jacket Coat
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace Mink Fur and Leather Belted Knee-Length Red Jacket Coat IT 42 Versace mink fur and leather knee-length red coat featuring floral pattern througho...
Prada 2016 Manteau FR42 Ecru Gabardine Belted Mackintosh Trench Coat UK14 US12
By Prada
Located in PARIS, FR
Prada 2016 trench coat in ecru cotton and polyester gabardine, straight cut, classic collar closed by 5 buttons and a wide belt, on belt loops, with silver metal pin buckle, 2 large ...
Brand new chinchilla fur vest size M
Located in Montreal, Quebec
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Brand new luxurious Chinchilla fur vest Condition: Brand New Closure: Buttons Color: Chinchilla Material: Chinchilla Gar...
Single breasted fur coat with check pattern CHRISTIAN DIOR FOURRURE
By Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Single breasted fur coat with check pattern. Hook&eye closure on the middle front . Pocket on both side. Branded rayon lining. SIZE 44 (Fr) L THIS COAT CANNOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF ...
Norman Norell Couture Black Wool Coat with Rhinestone Encrusted Buttons, c.1960s
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Norman Norell Couture Black Wool Coat with Rhinestone Encrusted Buttons, c.1960s A-Line Norman Norell Couture Black Wool Coat with Mandarin collar and welt bound pockets at hip. Feat...
Norell 1960s Beige Wool Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in Alford, MA
Iconic Norell 1960s styling defines this beige wool coat. Double breasted styling with eight buttons, a small pointed collar, and dolman sleeves that reach above the wrists. Special ...
Norell Belted Plaid Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Norell, wool, belted, plaid, coat in soft mutted tones. Ecru background with camel and soft green. Straight silhouette, having a padded mandarin collar,a belt that sits below the wai...
Norman Norell 1960s Vintage Charcoal Gray Cashmere Wool Couture Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in Sparks, NV
Absolutely incredibly tailored vintage 1960s Norman Norell coat in soft charcoal gray wool (Unmarked but feels like a 50-50 cashmere blend). Double br...
Rare Early Traina-Norell Label 1940s Navy Wool Swing Coat with a Massive Sweep
By Norman Norell, Teal Traina
Located in Sparks, NV
A very rare 1940s Traina-Norell swing coat with a massive sweep in remarkable condition. This coat was a very early Norman Norell piece during the years he spent collaborating with d...
Norell Brown Wool Coat with Brown Snakeskin Belt Size Small Medium
By Norman Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Norell jacket is composed of a brown and white patterned wool. There are center buttons and pockets. Comes with brown snakeskin belt. In excellent condition. Made in USA. **P...
1970's Norman Norell Tan Wool Coat with Fur Collar
By Norman Norell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1970's beige wool Norell coat with exaggerated black Persian lamb fur cuffs and collar. Double breasted with large plastic black buttons and the quintessential Norell oversized rectangular pockets. Back has inverted pleat. Craftsmanship and weight of a vintage and collectable...
Norman Norell 1970s plaid coat
By Norman Norell
Located in Austin, TX
Norman Norell tan, blue, brown plaid wool coat. Three front pockets. 44" bust, 23" sleeve, 45" length. Condition: very good, two small spots on coll...
Norman Norell Plaid Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in New York, NY
Norman Norell, pale yellow and ivory, plaid, wool coat. Semi fitted, A line, silhouette , double breasted with small collar, half belt at the back waist and inverted pleat from the ...
1950s Norman Norell Coat
By Norman Norell
Located in Water Mill, NY
A camel hair coat created by Norman Norell the designer behind the collaboration of Traina-Norell label. The 5 panel body of the coat and the 3/4 length sleeves are gathered onto the...
1950;s Traina-Norell Silk Satin Evening Coat
By Norman Norell, Traina-Norell
Located in New Hope, PA
The most luscious shade of pale pink satin is used inside and out for this ultra feminine 1950's swing coat from Norman Norell designing for Traina-Norell. The coat has an attached ...
1960's NORMAN NORELL fuchsia wool coat with black buttons
By Norman Norell
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid fuchsia wool coat with black faceted buttons from Normal Norell dating to the late 1960's. Fits a size 4-6. Made in the U.S. Excellent condition.