From the Collection: Norman Norell Cocktail Dress

Norman Norell was one of the most successful American designers of the 20th century and one of the most influential. His designs were prized for their high-quality workmanship and stylish simplicity. A Norell dress was regarded by many as the epitome of chic and accordingly he won numerous accolades and awards from his peers. He was known for “exclusive” ready-to-wear clothing that was sold at only one store per city.

Norman Norell was one of the most successful American designers of the 20th century and one of the most influential. His designs were prized for their high-quality workmanship and stylish simplicity. A Norell dress was regarded by many as the epitome of chic and accordingly he won numerous accolades and awards from his peers. He was known for “exclusive” ready-to-wear clothing that was sold at only one store per city.

Unfortunately, despite its undeniable quality, the DHCC has remained a relatively hidden and underutilized resource of Drexel, largely due to an overwhelming lack of proper storage and display space. However, the DHCC recently moved to the new URBN Center at 3501 Market Street where it has a new, vastly improved storage facility. Organized storage enables the collection to be more accessible to students and visitors.  A gallery devoted to the display of the DHCC allows the garments and related objects to be seen on a regular basis—many, like this spectacular Norell cocktail dress—for the very first time.