NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New School’s Parsons School of Design, Norell Fragrances and Neiman Marcus announced the winner of the Norman Norell couture design award at a celebratory reception last Thursday, May 18th. Student winner, Anthony Galante, was presented with a $5,000 grant from Norell Fragrances and his winning design will be showcased in the highly-anticipated 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. A first for both renowned institutions, NORELL x PARSONS allowed students to realize their design potential and take their concepts all the way from the classroom to the luxury consumer.
Inspired by the legacy of American designer, Norman Norell, and the newly introduced fragrance collection, the design course challenged students to interpret the Norell brand heritage through a contemporary approach, practice, and development over the course of the spring 2017 semester. By providing valuable hands-on industry experience, the course allowed students to develop the skill set necessary to thrive in today’s highly-competitive fashion industry.
The winning student, Anthony Galante, a 2017 Parsons graduate from Marengo, Illinois, designed a hand sequined silk georgette gown inspired by Norman Norell’s iconic aesthetic. Galante’s design drew inspiration from Norell’s classic style, reinterpreted with a modern twist, demonstrating both a respect for the designer’s legacy and an eye for innovation.
Fourteen student designs were evaluated by a noted committee of judges including Michael Avedon, Jeffery Banks, Burak Cakmak, Ken Downing, Margaret Hayes, Donald Loftus, Ray Siegel, Jason Wu, and Parsons Faculty.
“While the Norell fragrance has thrived in the present, we are excited to revive the spirit of his fashion through this incredible partnership," said Donald Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd. “Anthony Galante’s design exhibited incredible talent, and we look forward to the imminent success he will experience in the future.”
"Redefining fashion’s future can only be achieved with a complete and comprehensive celebration of the past," said Ken Downing, Senior Vice President Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. "It's exciting to see Anthony Galante’s ability to translate the emotion, the vocabulary and the craft of Norman Norell's legacy, while maximizing the invaluable industry experience made available to him during the course as he forges a new path into fashion’s future."
“As showcased in the artistry of Anthony Galante’s design, the NORELL x PARSONS course inspired the students to truly understand the Norell brand and establish their own, modern imprint of the iconic design house,” said Burak Cakmak, Dean of Parsons School of Fashion. “The course allowed the students to uncover the brilliance of Norman Norell, as they enter a new era of creative direction in the fashion industry.”
“I’m in a dream state right now,” said Anthony Galante, after his garment was announced as the winning design. “I’m thrilled my dress was so well received. Norell is such an inspiration, and I ultimately wanted to pay respect to his aesthetic with the intricate sequin design of my dress. It’s really inspiring to see all of my classmates’ designs come to life, and I am so proud of us all.”
Galante’s winning Norell-inspired look will be available for purchase by special order in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book debuting in fall 2017.
ABOUT PARLUX FRAGRANCES 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 at The New School, 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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