Designer Interview

Naeem Khan targets fashion-conscious brides with glamorous new wedding gown collection

Given the lavish nature of his designs, it's no surprise that Naeem Khan has expanded into the bridal business, offering gowns with floral deco ribbon appliqué, geometric crystal beading and three-dimensional handmade flowers for that special wedding day.

Khan is busy working on his bridal collection for spring/summer 2015, which he just debuted in New York. Via email, Khan talked about the differences in designing for a bride, how it has affected his ready-to-wear line and what's next.

CultureMap: Why did you decide to expand into the bridal business?

Naeem Khan: I was being asked for a bridal collection constantly by the stores. It was an easy transition, since glamour comes naturally to me, and I have been making wedding dresses for private clients for years. I wanted to finally make them available to more women.

CM: What should your fans expect from this inaugural bridal collection?

NK: They should expect elegance and couture. My techniques are very elegant, yet in simple silhouettes for a fashion-conscious bride.

CM: How does designing a bridal gown differ from designing your ready-to-wear collection?

NK: In my case there is not a huge difference. My bridal collection is designed for the same, once-in-a-lifetime, red-carpet moment with the best craftsmanship and modern cuts to make a bride relevant to today’s fashion.

CM: What are the similarities?

NK: Both are glamorous, with beautiful hand craftsmanship and modern cuts.

CM: Style.com surmised that launching a bridal collection has given you the freedom to design a sultrier ready-to-wear collection. Do you agree or disagree?

NK: I am learning a lot from designing a bridal collection, and I expect that’s reflected in my ready-to-wear line.

CM: Tell us about your spring/summer 2015 bridal presentation.

NK: I am going very glamorous this season. There are certain styles that are over-the-top and handcrafted with new techniques. I want the Naeem Khan bride to have a moment that she will remember for the rest of her life.

CM: How do you plan to expand the collection?

NK: I have all the intentions of expanding my bridal collections in various price categories as well as adding cocktail dresses. It’s all a study, and there is much to be developed.

The Madeira wedding gown from the Naeem Khan bridal collection.

Naeem Khan Bridal Collection trunk show at Joan Pillow Bridal Salon April 2014 MADEIRA

Photo by © Dan and Corina Lecca

The Madeira wedding gown from the Naeem Khan bridal collection.

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Shopping news

Irish discount fashion giant Primark to open 3rd Dallas-Fort Worth store

Facebook/Primark

Primark will open its third DFW store in Arlington in late June.

International clothing chain Primark is planting a flag in Arlington. The Irish retailer known for trendy clothes at value prices will open a store at The Parks at Arlington mall on June 25, according to a release.

It will be the brand's third store in Dallas-Fort Worth, after a location in Grapevine Mills that opened in December 2025 and one at Northeast Mall in Hurst that followed in April 2026.

Primark is a massive European retailer famous for its low-cost, high-turnover approach to home goods, everyday essentials, and fashion — think women’s jeans for $12, men’s T-shirts for $5, and kids’ sweatshirts for $8. Less than the cost of a meal at the food court, but also part of the "fast fashion" industry that critics say contributes to textile waste around the world.

Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to provide affordable choices for everyone, from everyday essentials to stand-out style across women's, men's and kids, as well as beauty, homeware, and accessories.

Primark has been in expansion mode in the United States and across Texas; there will now be 42 U.S. stores and six in Texas, with more to come.

"Primark's keen on continuing its Texas expansion," says Kevin Tulip, president of Primark US, in the release. "We've seen first-hand the importance of providing fashion that doesn't break the bank at our stores in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, and we want to continue to fulfill that need. It's incredible to become a part of these communities and be able to offer families a wide selection of trending fashion and everyday essentials at exceptional value."

The 30,000-square-foot Arlington store will debut with Primark's summer collection, "The Get Away." The release notes that the collection "features standout pieces such as a striped embroidered maxi dress ($30), finished with wave-inspired detailing. Embroidered separates appear throughout the range, all designed for effortless summer dressing. The must-have silhouette of the season is the striped midi dress crafted with 100% cotton ($25). The collection is finished with accessories, swimwear and matching family looks, offering something for everyone this summer."

Primark in Arlington will open with fanfare at 10:30 am June 25, with a ribbon cutting, local treats, and other fun giveaways - first come, first served, they say.

The store is now hiring for several roles.

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