Norman Norell (1900-1972) was an American fashion designer who dressed beautifully women from his first Traina-Norell collection in 1941 to his death in 1972. His dresses were very elegant, feminine, sophisticated and glamour. He often embellished dresses with strass and beads but also with details such as bows and Peter Pan collars. He is also known for the high-waisted (empire-line) dresses, sailor style dresses and the chemise dresses.
He began his career as a costume designer for the Paramount studios in 1922 where he dressed actresses like Gloria Swanson. In 1928, he worked for the fashion designer Hattie Carnegie where he used the techniques of French couture and applied it for the American ready to wear. Due to a disagreement with Hattie Carnegie, he left to work for the label Anthony Traina in 1940. For twenty years, he created clothes for the label “Traina-Norell”. Finally, he founded his own fashion house in 1960. At his death, the New York Times presented him as the one who made the Seventh Avenue the rival of Paris.
Sources : http://pinterest.com/ ; http://tumblr.com/ ; Fashion Designers A-Z Taschen and http://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fashion-clothing-industry/fashion-designers/norman-norell