Designer Naeem Khan’s spring ’17 collection was dedicated to his mentor, Halston, the fashion icon for whom he worked in the ’70s. The looks were vibrant. The colors were inspired by Khan’s deep love for cooking. Who knew!
This collection utilized a masterful mix of colorful laces and embroideries that created the designer’s own signature materials. Bright opaque glass fringe and painted prints were eye-catching. Every piece was hand assembled in one form or another. Born through passion and love, this show was an homage to effortless dressing and confident women. In the line-up, there were color-blocked gowns, geometric prints and crewneck gowns with long sleeves. An off-shoulder peasant blouse looked pretty with a matching skirt. For evening, his strapless taffeta multilayered ball gown received applause.
One right after another, Khan’s clothes had the audience spellbound with amazing details such as an off-shoulder brush-stroke print on a ball gown and the lace threadwork that enhanced a cap-sleeve dress with floral applique. Khan is committed to adorning elegant women in clothes that are befitting of their refinement. He has a glittering fan base of starlets and socialites including Beyoncé, Penelope Cruz and Taylor Swift. His luxurious collection consists of impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic separates. All embroidery is created by hand.
Khan was born in India and grew up surrounded by the beauty of the country’s culture, architecture, history and design. He cultivated his vast knowledge of textiles under the watchful eyes of his grandfather and father. They are both well-known in India for designing intricate clothing worn by the royal families. As a child, Khan recalls being mesmerized by the beadwork produced in their workshops. From a young age, he always knew he wanted to be a part of their intensely visual medium. When he moved to the U.S. in his teen years, he interned for Halston, which is where he absorbed the ethos of modern restraint and the secrets of draping and cutting fabric to create a clean, elegant, timeless silhouette. Between the opulent but aesthetically opposite worlds of his father and Halston, Khan’s style was nurtured and his aesthetic was born. He also has a bridal line. Today, his clothes are sold at top stores globally, including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.