NY shines with Naeem's designs

Naeem Kahn received a standing ovation for a collection filled with what he does best: High shine and elegant glamour at the just concluded New York Fashion Week. The Indian-born designer showcased his ensemble on the closing night of the gala event. Known for his luxe red carpet and black-tie appropriate evening gowns, he presented a Fall 2011 collection that read like a ‘fabulous at any age’. The show opened with a mini black satin dress with red patent leather embroidered flower embellishment and closed with an elegant, floor-length intricately beaded v-front trumpet gown with flattering dolman sleeves. There were blackless dresses, sometimes flowing and most always glittery, some with beaded bodice, embroidered with floral threadwork and trimmed with ostrich feathers. The show’s note read this collection is an exploration of artistry, technique and heritage coming together to redefine the glamour of the cosmopolitan woman. The looks switched back and forth from lavish strapless ballgowns with elaborate gold embroidery to clingy shimmery silhouettes and plunging v-necks to billowing floral print organza gowns to a conservative long-sleeve two-toned wool crepe sheaths to abbreviated bead and paillette-embellished frocks with bouncing ostrich feather skirts. It may be noted that Khan had dressed Michelle Obama for the first state dinner with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009.