Naeem Khan isn’t trying to spin his pre-fall lineup; he’s open about it being designed for selling more than storytelling. And it’s an aspect of the business that needs attending to; sales are way up, according to the designer. Khan’s ready to have fun again, and so it seems are his customers, who are looking for special, if traditional, pieces in which to feel and look great.
Women turn to Khan for the couture-like craftsmanship of the Indian artisans who work with him. That craftsmanship was notably on display in the opening look with raffia fringes and in the final grouping of dresses featuring filigree-like ribbon work. There are no surprises in this collection, except maybe that the most obvious, almost cliché designs—the dresses with beaded hearts—are selling well. The slightly more abstract fireworks pattern is based on a 1981 design Khan originally did when he was working for Halston, while the white flowers on two midnight blue numbers were inspired by Khan’s recent visit to Jaipur Palace. Doubtless, they’d make the wearer feel like a princess.
