Editor’s Note: Naeem Khan has the distinction of being our #1 reader favorite for the season. Congratulations, Naeem!
Naeem Khan’s NYFW Show: Beyond Elegance
Every season, I make certain to mark Naeem Khan’s show on my calendar.
When I was a 21-year-old old man trying to sneak into the New York Fashion Week tents of Bryant Park, I knew fashion week meant glamour, sophistication, and elegance. That’s why I was so eager to get in and catch a glimpse of at least one of the shows. Fast-forward to the present day, and Naeem Khan is a designer who brings me back to that nostalgic moment of discovery. I am “21-year-old me,” carried away by it all, again.
Elegance. Glamour. Sophistication. All these words are synonymous with Naeem Khan’s collections. But when it comes to actually attending one of his NYFW shows, that’s really just the tip of the iceberg.
But at Khan’s NYFW runway show, “elegance” is just the tip of the iceberg.
Another widely-known aspect of Naeem Khan’s shows is the amazing backdrops of his runway. This year’s SS16 show unveiled a white garden door as the centerpiece of a beautiful red floral wall that easily exceeded 15 feet in height. My anticipation and love for Naeem Khan’s show was not in the least bit misplaced.
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As the show began, I deeply appreciated my front row seat. The Spring Summer 2016 collection drew inspiration from the sun-drenched gardens of the South of France and azure blue waters of Capri, skillfully blending in the soft palette of the French Impressionists. Here was Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, expertly channeled for vacation-ready clothing that still kept an air of sophistication and class.
Here was Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, expertly channeled for vacation-ready clothing.
From the moment the first piece of the collection made its way down the runway, I knew my love for this designer was well warranted. A collection boasting intricate embroidery, detailed beading, and even woven raffia cannot be wrong. And as if my mind wasn’t already in glam overload, the color palettes sent me into a state closer to euphoria.
Watching infusions of orange, azure, and vibrant hues of yellow, lilac, wine, and rose reds, piece after piece became a constant visual treat. Some of the standout pieces within the collection were a breathtaking natural raffia lace ball gown; a bolero with scarlet floral embroidery; a lemon floral-beaded caftan; a beautiful lilac gazar ball gown with floral-embroidered bodice; an anthracite floral-beaded jumpsuit; and a bougainvillea gazar ball gown with ruffle neckline.
As Naeem himself joined his models for the final walk, the bright colors mixed with beautiful construction and embroidery, demonstating why droves of celebrities and dignitaries choose his gowns for red carpet appearances and special occasions.
My love for fashion once again was renewed. Thanks Naeem.
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With love,
FWO