An eccentric dress by Norma Kamali

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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An eccentric dress by Norma Kamali

— by Angie

on January 18, 2008

This interesting, ultra-mod frock is available at Nordstrom for $295. It is described as a “modern sculpture” turtleneck dress with dolman sleeves that attach just above the hem. Yes, the sleeves are actually attached near the hem. So how do you eat, shake a hand, embrace someone, or do anything that involves reaching and lifting without pulling up your dress to crotch point? Definitely an eye-catching and creative piece for the catwalk, but seemingly impractical for any stylish occasion. Perhaps it would be fun to wear for Halloween with a pair of leggings, pointy-toed shoes and a witches hat.

I’m surprised to see this over-the-top style selling at Nordstrom, but then again a bit of drama can’t hurt.

Winter 2007/2008

16 comments · Add a comment

Joey

ewww. funky!

January 18, 2008 at 9:40 am

Susan

Well it certainly draws the attention up a bit, until you lift your arms.
This is just crazy enough I can see the hip young set going for it. Conceptually, it’s not far off from wearing your pants below your bum and letting your undies hang out. Thanks for posting this Angie.

January 18, 2008 at 9:43 am

Isabel

I would have to see I agree Angie…probably more of a Halloween costume. Some cute pointy shoes? Funky makeup?
Happy Friday!

January 18, 2008 at 9:58 am

Maris

Very sculptural – very Japanese haute couture. If it was properly designed, the dress should not raise up when the wearer lifts her arms, but you never know till you try it on! I have a book of Japanese designs, and one dress has a fitted bodice, full skirt (think 50’s cocktail dress) complete with cylindrical openings in the skirt – perfect for holding a Coke can! VERY funky and innovative – not necessarily wearable for most of us.

Maris

January 18, 2008 at 11:33 am

Maya

I’m making the assumption that the sleeves are so voluminous and open that raising your arms should be possible without lifting the dress (to a point). I actually really love it.

January 18, 2008 at 11:58 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I thought of that at first too Maya, but I think it’s in the wrong fabric for that to happen. It would need to be in a silky woven that drapes as opposed to a clingy knit.

January 18, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Maya

I’m seriously thinking of ordering it, and then returning it just to find out haha.

Well, I’m actually going to Nordstrom today to buy a gift so I might look for it and try it on.

January 18, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Sarah

“So how do you eat, shake a hand, embrace someone, or do anything that involves reaching and lifting without pulling up your dress to crotch point?” It’s almost to crotch point already, but then dresses have been extremely short in recent years. We’re back to the 60s min skirts. My guess is that it would go up, but you never know until you try it. It does look fun for pictures, but not practical for any occasion.

January 18, 2008 at 4:37 pm

it’s hilarious. i wouldn’t buy it but i’d rather nordstrom stock this than those huge sweaters with pine trees!

January 18, 2008 at 5:04 pm

Nicole

I’m sure a man with a hatred for women designed that gawdawful monstronsity.

I can’t put my finger on it, but for some reason, I find this dress to be morally offensive. Not the style per se, but more so that it seems like a waste of material and energy and talent.

January 18, 2008 at 7:59 pm

Laurel

(website)

I must say that visually – I love it! It’s really rather gorgous. But I can’t believe Nordstroms is actually selling it as a normal item without putting some kind of disclaimer on it. It seems more appropriate for MOMA than a department store.

January 19, 2008 at 10:23 am

Krista

(website)

You would definately not want to try hailing a cab in that outfit!
It must say though that it makes her waist look super tiny. (That probably has nothing to do with the dress though

January 19, 2008 at 9:11 pm

Fran

(website)

Love it… couldn’t wear it for business, though, and can’t imagine where else I’d wear it either! And, I think I might have to be in my 20s again.

January 20, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Stephanie

I think it’s a great cocktail dress and would consider it for the conversation factor of it alone. (People generally don’t know what to talk about at those parties; that dress would be a fun diversion.) I just don’t have the legs for it, though. Plus, how do you get the cocktail to your mouth?

January 20, 2008 at 8:16 pm

BarkingDogShoes

(website)

If you squint you will see a martian.

January 21, 2008 at 9:00 am

Ana Ortiz

Do people actually wear that kind of things. Don’t take me wrong… it looks nice, but I can’t imagine a normal day wearing it. How do you move?

January 21, 2008 at 11:14 am

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