Naeem Khan has always designed with a nod toward his native India. But this season, inspired by a trip home last fall, Kahn translated the extremes of Indian culture, from Tilaka dots to elaborate paisleys into a breathtaking collection worthy of Maharajah splendor. The title “The Body as a Canvas: From the Mughal Paisley to the Hindu Tilakas” tells the story.
From this first beautiful metallic embroidered silk faille evening coat, it was clear this collection was going to be exquisite. You can tell in these two shots, that even from where I was sitting, you could discern the intricate threadwork in the designs, which evidently took hundreds of artisans three months to make.
The collection featured mostly neutral colors, letting the fantastic workmanship shine. From simple shapes like this taupe silk/wool beaded sheath dress
to more elaborate confections such as this beaded jacket over an ostrich feather skirt, all the designs celebrate the female form.
With plunging necklines and cinched waists, this collection is oozing with luxe femininity. I love how Khan played with the concept of the traditional designs, creating bold abstracted patterns like this geometric felt-appliquéd silk faille coat. He paired it with a metallic beaded chiffon halter, but I could also see it over an all cream or gray outfit for a fabulous tonal day look.
More contemporary translation can be seen in the fan dot print silk gazar gown on the right and the abstract swirl print basket weave silk gown on the left
or this gorgeous black and white rose-swirl embroidered jacket and skirt in chantilly lace.
Khan’s collection is the perfect foil (yes, I know…) for the gold theme running through the fall collections, from this supremely elegant gold rose swirl metallic embroidered trumpet gown
to the more dazzling 14k version – this gold pailette gown.
Even though the collection is very neutral in coloration, there is a wide variety of not only pattern but texture. From wools, to a range of silks, to the lace in this jet beaded striped lace gown, Khan has expressed the “decadence and dust of India” in a multiplicity of manners.
With the major red carpet event coming up next weekend, I would be surprised if we didn’t see at least one actress in Khan’s exquisite creations. So many in the collection are contenders but here are a few more beauties I think deserve Oscar consideration.
A favorite is this gown featuring my adored combination of black and navy with abstract beading on silk faille. Don’t you just love the fringed bodice?
This black mirrored racer-cut gown is both modern and elegant – a more embellished extravagant version of the Stella McCartney dress Gwyneth Paltrow wore to the Grammy’s.
Perfect presentation material, this black heart swirl jet-beaded strapless number is especially fabulous with wife Ranjana Khan‘s dramtic earrings!
Another winning red carpet look is this dramatic black ostrich feather gown with beaded bodice – perhaps for a lithe young thing yearning to make a memorable impression
The final piece in the collection was worth its weight in gold, or in this case, silver. The entire dress is made of sterling silver pailettes – wow!
All the attending details were perfect as well. I just loved Laurent Phillippon for Bumble and Bumble‘s elegant chignons for the show, NARS’ James Boehmer subtlely sexy cat eyes and Brendan Fallis’ classic Stones and Zeppelin filled soundtrack. All in all it was the epitome of elevated ethnic chic!
The embellishment is amazing and the gold pailette gown is a dream!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Every dress is better than the next! Beautiful!
These are some absolutely beautiful dresses. I need to dress up more so I could wear one.
Happy Friday!
XX
Debra~
Gorgeous. I want to get dressed up in every one of these spectacular dresses.
Just amazing!! From felt-appliquéd silk faille coat to black + navy beading on silk faille gown [adore] – wonderful!! Have a great weekend. ox
BEAUTIFUL – great style and fabulous lines! You have done an amazing job covering Fashion Week- thanks so much Q!
One of my dear college friends works there! I think I need to invite him for dinner!
How incredibly gorgeous!
pve
Elevated ethnic chic is the perfect description. Wow, like TB yesterday, I liked all of these pieces as well. Really nice. Another reason I so wish I had long legs, the gowns are fantastic, especially that black ostrich feather number. The silk coat and sheath dress are very welcome in my closet as well :)
The designs are just fabulous and so elegant!
Elegant, exquisite and ladylike, but the shine, texture and expert construction are what really sets these creations apart. Would love to see one come down the red carpet at the Oscars – or end up in my closet! Happy weekend, Stacey!
So elegant! Love the geometric patterns
leslie
WOW! It’s rare that I love everything from a collection but that silver dress is a jaw dropper. I wonder how heavy it is?
Amy
Wow, love the third image and the evening gowns, which are stunning. Very talented designer.
Thank you for sharing, Stacey, and have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
There are days when I so wish I could walk a red carpet or attend the Met Ball and wear Naeem Khan – today is one of those days! Each and every one of these gown are a dream… So beautiful!
xxoo
I second Ridgely…each one IS better than the last….except maybe the first dress! Or the gold number! Hard to choose a favorite : ) What a wonderful show to see in person! xx
Seriously…stunners…every single one. It must have been so spectacular to just sit there and see them up close and personal. GAAAHorrrgEOUS !!
The silver, the black with the nude, the low dipping necklines, the beauty. Thanks for sharing!
Lynne
Loved the black ostrich feather dress with beaded bodice! And the quality of the photos is tops. Thanks for sharing!
Such a pleasure to read about and view! If only I had the budget, the body and the bravado…..
i’m absolutely loving your reports from the field!
Just gorgeous.
Very Very Nice blogg…
Norrlandsimporten