It was all about Naeem Khan for those in the fashion industry on day two of Lakmé Fashion Week. The designer of Indian origin was showing for the first time in his home city. In New York he has become the red carpet guru with Michelle Obama, Katy Perry and Stacey Kiebler patronizing his label.
Sitting front row was another fan of his, Freida Pinto, wearing a piece from his Fall Winter 013 collection.
Here is why all these women love Naeem’s modern take on old-world glamour.
1. Immaculate tailoring: While he does the most beautiful embroideries he remembers that the back bone of any garment is beautiful fabrics coupled with fit with finesse. Long and lean is his preferred shape, but he varied the look with the odd kaftan and shift. Shape comes first and then shine.
2. Balance the Bling: The surface ornamentation was fine yet statement making. He loves his bling but understands it needs to be balanced – so a fully embroidered sequin and crystals dress is done in gold but he carefully chose an easy on the eye blush gold
3. Fabulous Finish: Beautifully embroidered clothes are not new to the Indian ramp. Often though we see threads hanging and beads fall all over the catwalk. After Naeem’s show the black catwalk was almost clean. Now that is quality!
It’s no wonder that Naeem Khan looks set to be the India Oscar de la Renta (and some of shapes were reminiscent of this designer). While Oscar obviously has a love of his home country (Dominican Republic) his clothes have just a feel of this but do not look too obviously South American. Naeem does the same thing with his Indian roots.
Okay, so while l loved his clothes his presentation perhaps could of be stronger if he had shown just one season. He jumped from Autumn Winter to Spring Summer with a bit of resort thrown in, so it did not tell a story and seemed a little jumpy.
Only the last garment was a ballgown sari, made specially for this show. Staying true to the sari there was no stitching. Also the fit could have been better as Indian models are shorter and more curvy then their American counterparts. Long and tight dresses meant the girls tripped and looked uncomfortable which weakened Naeem’s first show in India.
Now after this fab show am off to enjoy a classic vodka martini at the Tigre Blanc lounge! Chin Chin…
Photos Courtesy: Surbhi Sethi for MissMalini