To celebrate his 10th year of showing collections at fashion week, Naeem Khan commissioned Miami-based graffiti artist Trek6 to paint a large mural as a backdrop for the designer's fall collection. The artist sprayed some finishing touches as the audience waited for the show to start.
Khan told reporters that he commissioned the painting because the idea of combining street art with high fashion is so much fun. Even so, the mural seemed out of place with Khan's glitzy lineup of red-carpet gowns, sparkly tuxedos and beaded jumpsuits. The luxe collection is aimed at those who have a glamorous society party to attend — not an art show.
And they're sure to get noticed, because nearly every look sparkles with metallic embroidery, gold beading, floral appliques and Swarovski crystals.
Not many designers open their collection with a ball gown, but Khan let everyone know early on that this collection emphasizes special event dressing. The strapless black gown hand painted with brushstrokes of gold might have been the closing number in most designer collections, but Khan was just getting warmed up.
Although there were plenty of eye-catching gowns, including a plunging V-neck black-and-silver art deco design and a strapless ribbon gown in burgundy and mauve, Khan offers different looks for clients who want a nighttime look that's a little more daring. Bodyhugging evening jumpsuits come in a variety of styles, from a beaded burgundy one-sleeve jumpsuit to a gold-and-black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and ostrich feather-trimmed jacket.
And for those in a Marlene Dietrich menswear mood, he showed waistcoats with tails over a blouse and pant. One is all black; the other all white, but both have sequins to add sparkle.
And for his closer, Khan showed a Swarovski crystal-beaded romper with flowing cape for the woman who wants to make sure no one is dressing like she does.
Naeem Khan white cropped sequined waistcoat with long tails over blouse and pant.
