As Naeem Khan makes his way to Cairo for his first ever show in the Egyptian capital on December 16th, we tell you all about the Indian-American fashion designer who is a regular at New York fashion week.
Khan´s gowns but also his story is really what every aspiring designer dreams of. He has made a name for himself with his elaborate and rich evening wear that is influenced by the beauty of India- its culture, architecture, and history.
But how does a kid from India end up in NYC, dressing the likes of Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton and Queen Rania of Jordan to name a very few.
FAMILY DNA
He was born Naeemuddin Khan on May 21, 1958 in Bareilly, India to Sharfuddin Khan and Razia Baig. His father and grandfather cultivated an early interest in textiles, as they both designed intricate clothing worn by the royal families.
Of his early passion for design, Khan has said, “It was built into my DNA. I watched my father design formal wear for India’s most influential people, and I knew that I would want to pursue a similar path.”
THE BIG MOVE
At the age of 18 he moved to NYC, and promptly landed a job at the It-designer of the moment, Roy Halston who Khan refers to as his mentor. After three years working for Halston he continued to freelance for him for another five years.
In 1983 he opened his first company called Riazee after his mother. With a work force of 150 employees he sold all across the United States. In 2003 he finally launched his namesake brand and showed his first collection at Olympus Fashion Week New York that later became Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Since then he has been a regular at NYFW season after season . He is also a member of the CFDA, The Council of American Fashion Designers.
THE HUSBAND & FATHER
In 1981, at the age of 23, he married model and jewelry designer Ranjana Kapadia, He fondly refers to their first meeting as “Love at first sight” . Together they have two sons, Zaheen and Shariq who now work with their father. The family mostly spends their time between New York and Miami.
THE CELEBRITY FACTOR
Michelle Obama’s ivory column dress he designed for the state dinner of India´s prime minister in 2009 made Khan the third most googled person in the world that day. Khan also designed costumes for the movies “Sex and the City” and “Dream Girls”.
IN PRIVATE
Khan likes to cook especially Italian and Indian, and even has a kitchen set up in his office. He also loves sports, and is an avid polo player.
Khan will present his ss”23 collection at the December 16th VIP event hosted by LMD’s Cairo Design District (CDD) located in One Ninety in New Cairo.
Today his clothes can be found in over 200 high-end stores across the world including our region.
For more people news CLICK HERE.
