Designer Naeem Khan showed his Fall 2012 collection at New York Fashion week. Worn by the FLOTUS and on the red carpet, his work is often in the public spotlight. Titled “The Body As A Canvas: From the Mughal Paisley to the Hindu Tilakas” the show brought Indian-inspired bling to the runway.
The Washington Post writes that “there was so much beading that the audience in the front row could hear the pieces chiming against each other as the models walked.”
The New York Times India Ink interviews Khan and asks about the inspiration behind his latest work.
Q. What was your inspiration for your Fall line?
A. It’s all about the decadence and dust of India. The white circles and dots on some of the dresses are the patterns the Sadhus use on their bodies- I actually hand painted them on myself. A lot of the patterns are from body painting. I looked at tribal India and made it luxurious by using rich fabrics. This is the dust aspect. Then the paisley patterns on some of the pieces represent the decadence in India. So I’ve taken one element from the two sides and created a whole collection out of it.
He also talks about the Michelle Obama effect on his business.
Q. The New York Times Style section has a story last week about the Michelle Obama effect- when she wears a designer’s clothes, it usually results in a skyrocketing career. Mrs. Obama has worn your dresses a few times. How has it changed your business?
A. The impact has been unbelievable. The first time she wore one of my dresses, I was the third most Googled thing in the country. The awareness that is created by that is substantial. And sales come from that awareness.
Read the rest of the interview at India Ink. View all 39 looks in the collection, including this one-shouldered showstopper, at NYMag.com.
Drool. So. Many. Sequins. I want it all.
Absolutely beautiful and creative. My pockets are not as deep as Beyoncé and Michelle Obama to afford his pieces, but I admire the artistry behind his work.
Ooh, I totally got sucked into voting on his designs at the NYMag link. Thanks for sharing. Love his work though I’d never be willing to spend that kind of $. 😉
Beautiful clothes…but why aren’t there any Indian models walking these Indian inspired clothes?