……………….I have always loved the look of sequin dresses from the very first time this 18 year old boy walked into the showroom of Norman Norell……I was ushered into the showroom by a man named Max Bernigner. He was a tall, blond, distinguished, perfectly dressed man….who ran the Norman Norell Company…..It was Mr. Berniger that my Uncle Paul had spoken to to get me this summer internship…..The very first thing I saw when I went into this beautiful showroom in 550 7th Ave on the 15th floor was a golden rack…On this rack, spaced out evenly , were six short dresses all of the same design. They had spaghetti straps and were chemise shaped. At the bottom was a flounce about 10 to 12 inches with a large flower….sort of “Flapper” dresses. Each dress was totally covered in different color sequins….flower and all. They were amazing. From that moment on I was dazzled by the look of sequins. Mr. Norell was famous for his hand sequined dresses, and to this day they are still copied. When ever you see a long chemise dress with a band collar totally sequined it was Norell inspired……..Above……SIMPLE SHAPES paved in the tinniest of hand sewn sequins. A RED Chemise and an ACID GREEN A-Line dress. The red dress, according to my look book, was approximately $2,595.00, and the acid green dress was approximately $3415.00, and that was 30 years ago!….Remember these were all hand sewn sequins on silk…..Jac wore both of these beauties to fabulous Black Tie Christmas parties, and Charity events…………..They were perfect for Jac’s style……elegantly simple.
And we are SO lucky to have your Linea sequin pieces … I never thought I could wear sequins till you worked MAGIC for a plus sized lady. THANK YOU, dear Louis, I treasure every one, and think of beautiful Jac 🙂
kathy, these sequin pieces are perfect for plus women who can never find truly glamorous clothes that aren’t matronly looking. They are all out glamour without being over the top.
I sure am enjoying this retrospective…heartfelt thanks❣️
I love the simple shapes with bold color and the sequins!
Hi Louis,
These dresses are just gorgeous! I do remember a beautiful photo of Jac in the green one.
Jeffrey Banks wrote a wonderful book “Norell Dean of American Fashion”. He gave a presentation at F.I.T. In 2018 which coincided with an exhibit of Norell’s designs through the years.
If you google Jeffrey Banks FIT you can read his lecture.
Enjoy the weekend, Elaine