Naeem Khan's BIg Ball Gowns

Naeem Khan goes big and bold with the best and brightest gowns of fashion week

NEW YORK — Go big or stay home.

That seems to be the mantra of Naeem Khan, whose spring 2016 collection includes a wide array of colorful ball gowns with voluminous skirts that are guaranteed to attract attention.

While many designers are toning down their looks, Khan and Marchesa's Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have veered from the pack with gorgeous entrance-making gowns that are sure to please socialites on the Texas charity circuit. Khan has already attracted a following in the Lone Star State as the heir apparent to Oscar de la Renta in creating the kinds of ornate gowns that Houston woman want to wear to make an impression.

Khan's bright collection — there's hardly a dark-hue look in the entire bunch — is based on the sun-drenched gardens in the south of France, as well as the azure waters of Capri and the soft palette of the French impressionists, the designer said in his program notes. He also imagined the kinds of glamorous clothes that icons of the '50s and '60s like Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy might wear on vacation, updated in a modern way.

He also has current clients who travel the world in mind, with embroidered caftans in designs reminiscent of his native India, sparkly jumpsuits in rainbow colors, fringed cocktail dresses and a paisley-embroidered coat with jeweled cuff over a matching romper that led off his show during New York Fashion Week. Khan's customer likes to dress up even when she dresses down.

But it's the evening gowns that remain the designer's strength. He offers close-to-the-body gowns in bright shades of bougainvillea red, embroidered lemon yellow or bias-cut pink satin with a crystal halter necklace that provides all the jewelry needed. Other gowns are heavily embellished with intricate beading and basket-weave sequins in a multitude of colors.

But the real stars are the breathtaking taffeta and gazaar ball gowns in shades of lilac, yellow, red and pink ombre that closed the show. It's a different silhouette from what Khan normally creates, with gowns that flare out at the waist into full-blown hoop skirts, but it's a look that packs an extra punch.

And the gowns also come with pockets. So practical.

Naeem Khan closed his show with a series of colorful ball gowns with big skirts.

Naeem Khan spring summer 2016 collection

Photo by Dan Lecca

Naeem Khan closed his show with a series of colorful ball gowns with big skirts.

new-york-fashion-week

A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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