It blazed, blinged, and resiliently danced. If one thing is certain, it’s that Mr. Naeem Khan loves to shine. Figuratively and literally. Abundantly encrusted in crystals, the collection of Modern Opulence: From the Illustrations of the 1920s Erté to the Grandeur of the Byzantine Empire was an expedition, a backward travel into history. It was an assortment of time periods, nations, and styles.
But what is to be concluded of this charismatic designer who came onto the fashion scene under his eponymous brand a mere 10 years ago? He continues to chisel and polish away at his brand, always artistically taking steps forward to ensure his position in the future of fashion. He’s another designer who knows what his audience covets, the lifestyles they live. He envelopes them in beauty, gives them respected attention; it creates a romance story.
The pierre de taille of his fashion house are his dresses, which next season come in the formations of trumpets, tulips, and columns. Necessities for social ladies for social occasions; red carpet affairs included. Trousers are a rarity. One would almost entertain the notion that the collection is slightly predictable until Mr. Khan veers off the beaten path just as his passengers are about to become too comfortable. Aside from the Naeem signatures of India-inspired prints and brilliant sequins (painstakingly and entirely hand-sewn), there was the introduction of lamé and velvet. Yes, velvet, which I’ve never been a fan of, but it’s done so well- the tailoring, styling and then made more attractive with adornments. Lavish kaftans and capes, from sultans to monarchs, add to theme of opulence.
The voyage is grand, the souvenirs are fantastic. Embark and enjoy the splendor. For Autumn|Winter 2013, it’s an expedition worth taking. | Giuseppe
pictures courtesy Thomas Iannaccone
fashion + class & jet lag | A Luxury Portfolio 
Enchanting… Adore the accents at the waistline and mixture of materials. The romantic narrative surely does take you on a journey.