Naeem Khan Does It All
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| Black satin gold filigree embroidery coat and matching t-shirt (Photos: Style.com) |
The Naeem Khan show was held at the Theater in Lincoln Center. Upon arrival, I noticed that every seat had the name of the person who would be sitting there and what publication they were from, indicative of what a perfectionist Khan is know to be. Khan, 55, is an Indian-born American designer who is the CEO of his label which was launched in 2003. Michelle Obama frequently wears his gowns lending prominence to a designer who has become the go-to for those seeking red carpet attire. Julia Roberts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Eva Longoria, are fans of his dresses and every awards show has at least one Khan dress in the crowd. Padma Lakshmi who atttended the show said, “Naeem is so talented, he knows how to make a woman feel glamorous because he loves women.” Tween superstars Debby Ryan and Laura Vandervoot were also in the audience clad in Naeem Khan dresses. I asked Debbie, who is only 20, if Naeem was a little too sophisticated for her and she said, “absolutely not; his clothing is youthful and feminine and because I am curvy and cannot wear a shift dress, his fitted dresses are perfectly flattering for my shape.” As more notables such as Linda Fargo, Ken Downing and Bobby Queen entered the arena, it was time to begin.
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| Leopard slip gown with ostrich feather skirt |
The collection according to Khan was inspired by the boudoir and the “sexy, dark world of the cabaret.” Yet, there were so many trends and motifs displayed, it was hard to find one underlying theme. However, the totality of the collection was luscious and divine. Khan opened his show with a black satin evening coat with gold filigree embroidery and a matching t-shirt. The use of black and gold has become a Naeem staple and there are few who can execute this look better. After his usual black and gold ensembles, he next introduced leopard prints, a look rarely seen on a Khan runway. The use of ostrich feathers on the bottom of the leopard dress and gown was opulent and sensuous and because of its great expense, scarcely seen during a runway show. Honeycomb beading was also utilized throughout, adding detail and delicacy to the garments. The sapphire beaded slip gown was a favorite because it was simultaneously simplistic and dazzling. While Naeem atypically shows trousers, the sapphire beaded top and pant was a showstopper- giving the allusion of a diaphanous jumpsuit.
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| Ruby black lace gown with floral applique work |
The dresses and gowns in amethyst created a provocative, liquidey feel but regrettably, were soon followed by floral gowns, dresses and pantsuits which were the least effective of the collection. The floral looks were uninspired and not worthy of a talent of his stature. However, when he returned to the lush rubys and reds, especially the ruby black chantilly lace column gown with floral appliques, the effect was perfection and signature Khan. Some separates that startled were the black and white harlequin gown and the dark green dress with a feather trumpet skirt- these looks were fitted and dramatic. The conclusion of the show was what Naeem does best- dazzling us with a flapper dress and gown of gold and silver constructed in beading from head to toe. It is significant that in the opening and finale of the show Naeem stuck to the looks that distinguish him from the rest of the pack- embroidery and beading with astounding handiwork.
The show concluded with Naeem walking down the runway in jeans and a t-shirt to muted applause. The collection which ranged from leopard prints to floral and then back to sequins covered a little too much territory; however, his mastery of the craft ennabled him to pull it off to great effect. There are few designers today whose embroidery and craftsmanship can match Naeem’s and this was evidenced by his casual attire; this is a man who is assured of his talents and confident of his place in fashion.
– Lieba Nesis
The Daily Bet by Rhonda Erb
30th anniversary and to mark this important milestone they are
hosting a contest to create an original design for one of their watch tins.
These tins are synonymous with Fossil since they have been used to package their
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the Open Road-“think vintage automobiles, roadside diners…or American travel
from the 1950’s and 1960’s.” Designers can visit www.fossiltincontest.com from now until
February 28, 2014 to upload their original artwork. Designs will be judged on
originality, creativity and representation of Fossil’s modern vintage style. The
top 30 creations will be posted online for public voting, as well as being made
into actual tins to be displayed at select Fossil stores and events.
in these whimsical shoes from Camper. Rather than a matching pair, each shoe is
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