At Tootsies this week
Even during tough times, Naeem Khan believes that glamour still sells
Khan's fall 2011 collection exudes old Hollywood glamour
Annette Bening, right, wore a gown from the Naeem Khan fall collection to theOscars.
Khan's business received a big boost after Michelle Obama wore his gown to astate dinner for the prime minister of India.Photo by Nicholas Kamm
Naeem KhanPhoto by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
Heavily embellished gowns and dresses are a Khan trademark.
While the lingering recession has spurred a lot of designers to tone down their looks in recent years, Naeem Khan has stuck to what he does best. The Indian-born, New York-based designer continues to create heavily embellished, jaw-dropping evening wear for an affluent clientele and it has paid off.
His business thrives because he believes that even in tough times, people like to dress up for special occasions. It's no wonder he's a favorite of Houston's society set who love to make an entrance in a show-stopping gown.
Just back from India, Khan will be at Tootsies Tuesday night to show his fall collection as a fundraiser for Best Buddies. He will also be at the store on Wednesday for a trunk show. We caught up with Khan by e-mail:
CultureMap: A lot of people are excited about your visit. Why do you think your clothes sell so well in Houston?
Naeem Khan: Firstly I love Houston. I have been selling in Houston for over seven years and have gradually built a following. My dear friends Becca and John Thrash have been very kind to me. My clothes, being glamorous and classic, are the perfect fit for the society power players of Houston.
CM: Your fall 2011 collection is almost all nighttime looks. Why did you decided to concentrate on evening wear?
NK: I love designing evening glamorous clothes, be it with embroidery, prints or beading, my clothes makes a statement. I grew up surrounded by evening fabrics. My family is a prominent producer of embellishments. I was born into glamour.
CM: With the recession, a lot of designers are toning down the glamour. But you haven't. Why do you remain convinced that glamour sells?
NK: Glamour makes you happy. There is always a need to dress up for special occasions such as weddings, charity events, religious rites and parties. My business has constantly grown, some years more than others, and I have built a niche in the glamour world. My ladies come to me for glamour.
CM: Nearly everything in the collection is so heavily embellished that you don't really need to wear jewelry. Did you catch some grief from your jewelry designer wife about this?
NK: My wife Ranjana Khan is an amazing designer. It’s the opposite. She did not want her pieces to be lost in my embellishments. No flack.
CM: Annette Bening wore your silver column gown at the Oscars. When did you know that she was going to wear it? And what did you think when you saw her in it?
NK: I had received an excited call from Jessica Paster, Annette's stylist, and my PR (agency), Paul Wilmot Communications, a couple of days before the Oscars. I love Annette Bening. She is a class act. It was beautiful, true hollywood Chic.
CM: When first lady Michelle Obama wore your gown to the state dinner for the Indian prime minister, it got rave reviews. What did that do for your career?
NK: Dressing Mrs. Obama is a game changer. My business, even during the recession, held its own. We are seeing a huge turnaround this year. It opened the world for me.
CM: What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
NK: Work hard and be true to yourself and your vision. You have to pay your dues. It took me years to be recognized. I feel all these years of knowledge makes me a stable and a realistic designer. I know my customer and I stick to what I know best.
