1960s Norman Norell Jacket
In 1952, Norman Norell stated, "My approach to design consists of a great deal of thinking and not much designing. I believe in thinking out what the next logical and natural trend in fashion will be. Once I have decided, the rest is easy. I simply take th most straightforward approach to it, without any extra, fancy trimmings. I don't like over designing anything."
Mr. Norell stuck with this philosophy of design throughout his career and it is evident in this jacket dating to the late 1960. The fabric is a medium weight knit in a heathered oatmeal color. The collar is wide and flat in a style similar to a Puritan collar and the jacket is double breasted closing with large black buttons. A narrow patent leather belt adds the finishing touch. Fully lined with Norell label sewn in at the neckline and a Julius Garfinckel & Co. label inside the front opening. A full length version of the jacket is illustrated in American Fashion by Sarah Tomerlin Lee.
Garfinckels began in the early part of the 20th Century as a specialty store and became a cornerstone of shopping for the elite of Washington DC. The store closed its doors in 1989.
