Given the current state of the economy (and the turbulent times in general), Naeem Khan said it didn’t feel right to venture outside of his core classics, so he zeroed in on his signature glamorous evening gowns instead. “We looked at all our styles and fabrications that are working, and then gave them a little twist,” he explained. “Design-wise, this is always a challenge; in order to keep my business alive, I have to make sure that I don’t twist it too far.”
But don’t be fooled: The designer still had fun playing around with luxe materials and embellishments. A black crepe gown and matching bolero jacket was carefully hand-embellished with silver beads. “Diamonds have refraction in order to catch the light and glisten, so I apply beads the same way,” he noted.
His long-sleeved tulle gown with metallic-sequined bursts of flowers felt young and fresh—and surprisingly practical, too. “You can pack it and go; there is no ironing required,” he said. Another sheer, long-sleeved mesh creation had loops of gold and black raffia embroidery for a more textural feel.
Many of the strapless, full-skirted gowns, meanwhile, were made in rich laces boasting patterns of florals and leaves. “It’s like a guipure lace, but I spun it in metallic silk,” Khan said. “It has this very evening texture.” He did them in hues like beige, green, and lavender. Given this is an in-between season, Khan designed a palette that would speak to both a summery and a wintery mood. “It’s a transient season, and my clients are global,” he explained.