Naeem Khan knows how to put on a show. At the end of his fall collection at New York Fashion Week, the designer, a favorite of Houston's social set, sent out a stately model adorned in a dramatic embroidered metallic bridal gown with an ornate headdress. As she moved slowly down the runway, Maya Angelou's poignant poem, Human Family, was read over a loudspeaker.
I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
It seemed to be a not-subtle commentary about the Trump administration's immigration policy from Khan, an immigrant from India and a U.S. citizen, and it drew wild applause from the audience.
The rest of his collection is not nearly so serious though, as it ranges from upscale athleisure wear — stretch velvet drawstring pants, midriff-baring beaded T-shirts — to full-on sequined ball gowns.
Khan labeled the collection "in the spirit of women I have met and the life I have traveled." He obviously travels in high-flying circles as the luxe line includes elaborated embroidered floral dresses, jackets and matching pants, party dresses dripping in fringe, and his trademark evening gowns, which range from a jersey race-cut number with a bold op-art print to glittery deco designs.
The designer told a reporter backstage that the collection had a world view, with influences from Poland, India, the Middle East, and, in the case of the final look, "a goddess from Spain....It was about diversification, because what makes this world a beautiful place is diversification."
Many looks were accessorized with statement jewelry designed by Khan’s wife, Ranjana Khan.
The collection will be available in Houston at Elizabeth Anthony.
Naeem Khan metallic threadwork embroidered ball gown.
