NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New School’s Parsons School of Design announces the “Norell x Parsons” course as part of the spring 2017 couture curriculum. A creative collaboration conceived in partnership with Parsons, Parlux Ltd., and Neiman Marcus, the unique program addresses the emerging, modern day challenges facing a new generation of fashion industry talent, inspired by the legacy of American designer, Norman Norell.
Fusing the worlds of fashion, art and commerce, “Norell x Parsons” challenges students to interpret the Norell brand heritage through a contemporary couture approach, practice, and development over the course of one semester. Students will design and create a piece based upon Norell’s classic designs, while also learning the necessary skills to creatively lead a fashion house in the current fashion industry.
Renowned for his legendary aesthetic that revolutionized American ready-to-wear and the American designer fragrance industry, Norell was one of the first American fashion designers to launch a namesake fragrance. Following the 2015 launch of the re-mastered iconic scent, Norell New York, Norell Elixir launched in fall 2016 exclusively at Neiman Marcus.
“This course aims to arm students with the knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever-challenging fashion and retail environments,” said Don Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd. “Norell’s legacy highlights the evident synergies between designer fashion and fragrance, and the value of a brand embracing both style and scent to effectively position itself among today's luxury lifestyle powerhouses.”
A Selection Committee including Fashion Designer and Parsons Alumni, Jason Wu, Parsons Dean of Fashion, Burak Cakmak, The Fashion Group International President, Margaret Hayes, Fashion Designer and Author, Jeffery Banks, CR Fashion Book Online Director, Ray Siegel, Parlux Ltd. President and The Fashion Group International Chairman of the Board, Donald Loftus, Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President & Fashion Director, Ken Downing, photographer, Michael Avedon and Parsons Faculty will evaluate the creative concepts of each student designer.
"Creating the future of fashion can only be achieved with a passionate understanding of the past,” said Ken Downing, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. “I'm excited for the next generation of the industry's great talents to uncover the brilliance of Norman Norell, as they forge a new path in fashion history."
At the conclusion of the couture course, Norell New York’s leadership team will select one winning design that will be showcased in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, a longstanding retail partner, and made available to sell as a special order.
“Creative directors at today’s fashion houses often look to a company’s archives for history, inspiration, and creativity to understand a brand’s DNA before establishing their own, modern imprint for the brand,” said Burak Cakmak, Dean of Parsons School of Fashion. “This course will offer our students important hands-on industry experience, and help prepare them to enter a new era of creative direction in the fashion industry.”
The student winner will be announced in May 2017.
About Parlux Ltd.
Parlux Fragrances LTD, a leading global beauty company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes prestige designer fragrances and related products since 1987. Parlux Fragrances LTD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Perfumania Holdings Inc., an independent, national, vertically integrated wholesale distributor and specialty retailer of fragrances and related products. It is traded on the NASDAQ exchange (PERF).
About Parsons School of Design
Parsons School of Design, founded in 1896, is one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the world. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines, as well as online courses, degree and certificate programs. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their respective fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century.
About Neiman Marcus Group
Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, CUSP, and mytheresa brand names. For more information, visit www.neimanmarcusgroup.com.
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