For his debut runway show in Asia, New York-based red carpet designer Naeem Khan sent out almost his complete Spring Summer 2017 collection of gorgeous, colourful, embellished, glamorous bling-tastic pieces. From the opening looks that were flowing, graphically coloured and relatively unadorned, to the closing series of three – yes, three – amazingly embellished wedding gowns via ballgowns, 20s flapper dresses with actual beaded fringe (has to be seen to be believed!) and a fully beaded-fringe jumpsuit (just, wow!) the collection was a joy to behold.
It was serendipitous that the born-and-raised in Mumbai designer showed on Deepavali; there was definitely references to Naeem’s birthplace in a number of the gowns – from the colours to traditional embroidery – there was even a very obviously sari-inspired look which I loved.
According to the designer, his Spring Summer 2017 collection is dedicated to his mentor Halston who he worked for in the 1970s and the riot of colour was inspired by his love of cooking! “To me, taste has colour”, he says. “Born through my passion and love, this show is an homage to the effortlessly confident woman.”
Although perhaps best-known for being one of Michelle Obama’s favourite designers – and she is certainly a confident woman – Naeem Khan has been worn by celebrities from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Penélope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Emily Blunt, to Queen Noor of Jordan and the Duchess of Cambridge! That’s a wide range of personalities and styles. But what they all have in common is a fun attitude towards fashion.
Sure, Naeem Khan isn’t a ‘fashion-forward’ designer, but sometimes that’s not really important. If you want something beautiful, joyous and fabulous to wear, this is the designer for you.
CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL LOOKS FROM THE NAEEM KHAN SS17 COLLECTION FROM SINGAPORE FASHION WEEK 2016
Want more fashion week fun? Read our stories Primary colours star in the Ong Shunmugam Cheongsam 2017 collection; Lush crushed velvets and bold colours were the stars at Exhibit and Super sexy safari from Thai fashion brand Sheranut
