Fashion icon Norma Kamali earned fame in the '70s for her sleeping bag coat, and introduced parachute pants and high-heeled sneakers to fashion slaves in the '80s. The designer has faded from prominence over the past decade or so, but continues to preside over her eponymous, New York-based company.

Graduating from FIT with a degree in fashion illustration, Kamali opened her first shop on 53rd street but moved to Madison Avenue just before her legendary sleeping bag coat premiered. Fashionistas went crazy for the jackets, but she also struck gold on the other end of the spectrum by designing the one piece red bathing suit that Farrah Fawcett wore on her iconic Charlie's Angels poster. Accolades, including a CFDA award for women's fashion design, followed, but we also have Kamali to thank for some of the ‘80s tackiest fashions. A proponent of shoulder pads and parachute pants immortalized in over-the-top fashion videos, Kamali was the ‘80s "It" designer, but her star began to fade in the ‘90s. However, Kamali is still active, producing fragrance and eyewear lines, partnering up with Wal-Mart for the "Timeless" collection, and creating the first virtual department store for ebay. [Image via Getty]