“The prices are fantastic and everything’s washable,” said Norma Kamlai of her resort 2025 collection. “So it’s like: have fun, glam up, have a good time, but then don’t feel horrible because you just spent too much money.” This has always been the designer’s approach, but, like many others, she’s leaning into versatility and considering different ways a single piece can be worn. This is not mere lip service; many looks, Kamali explained, come with instructions on how to modify a piece, like turning a midi into a mini, for example.
Sheer is one of the stories of the season here, and as in the past, Kamali’s ultimate base layer is a second-skin jumpsuit. She reimagined the “modern dance dress” as a sheer black mesh circle skirt, bow-tied at the waist, and worn over a leotard. More solid, literally, was a group of looks featuring decorative metal studs. These were unexpected and especially successful on swimwear. Moving from poolside into wilder terrain, Kamali photographed leopard spots and reptile skins and created photo prints with 3-D effects. A shawl-collared animalier sleeping bag coat is divalicious. Also combining comfort and glam are metallic “elephant sweatpants” in micro sequins that strike sartorial gold.
