Her sixth-grade teacher wrote "know thyself" in her graduation book, and fashion icon Norma Kamali has drawn on this guidance for her learning and growth since 1967. For example, as a young woman she thought she was the smartest person on the planet, but over time she was no longer sure about such a boastful sobriquet.
She also shifted her standing vis-a-vis men: from more of a follower, to more of an independent. Mind you, she does not see herself as a maverick, but her track record has essentially been that: popularizing fashion shoulder pads, opening an online store on eBay, and expanding her offerings into health, fitness and beauty.
Finally, the irony of "know thyself" meant "know others" as well. Her clientele wondered why, over time, they could no longer fit into the fashion she designed and could no longer afford them. She heard them, and responded accordingly with KamaliKulture: fashion under $100, which fit real, everyday women. To put on a fashion show of women from the studio audience, instead of super-thin professional models, is not just avant garde but empowering.
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