Parsons announces Norman Norell focused couture course

By

Kate Dingwall

Published
Feb 22, 2017

Parsons School of Design has added a new course to its couture curriculum, focusing on the legacy of famed American designer Norman Norell. The course was born out of a collaboration with Parlux Ltd, a global manufacturer and distributor of prestige fragrances, and Neiman Marcus.

Don Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd, said in a statement: “This course aims to arm students with the knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever-challenging fashion and retail environments. 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.”

“Norell x Parsons” will be first offered in the upcoming Spring 2017 curriculum. The one-semester-long course will study the practice and development of a contemporary couture approach.

For a final project, students will compete for the chance to show their designs in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The winning design will be available for custom order through Neiman Marcus and chosen by a select group of industry professionals, including designer Jason Wu, International President of the Fashion Group Margaret Hayes, Neiman Marcus SVP Ken Downing, and photographer Michael Avedon.

Norell is a Parsons graduate himself, starting his studies at the famed design school in 1919. The American designer boasted a strong celebrity following in his heyday, creating custom designs for Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lauren Baccall, and Judy Garland. Most notably, the designers was one of the founders of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and was one of the first apparel designers to launch a fragrance.

Parsons currently doesn’t offer a couture program but it does offer courses in couture design techniques, couture history, and now, a contemporary couture course inspired by Norman Norell.