Naeem Khan is an Indian-American fashion designer who has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Noor of Jordan, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in his ornate and intricately detailed gowns.
Naeemuddin Khan was born in Bareilly, India, on May 21, 1958, to Sharfuddin Khan and Razia Baig. His father and grandfather, who designed elaborate garments for the royal families, instilled in him an early interest in textiles. Khan has said of his early passion for design, “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.”
He married model and jewellery designer Ranjana Kapadia in 1981 when he was 23 years old. They have two sons, Zaheen and Shariq.
Khan splits his time between New York and Miami, Florida.
Embed from Getty ImagesBiography
Khan moved to the United States in 1978 to work as an apprentice for American designer Halston. He perfected the art of draping and fabric design during this period and collaborated with cultural icons, including Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, and Elizabeth Taylor. Of this period, Khan says, “My knowledge of fashion and lifestyle is much influenced by my time with Halston… as a designer you have to be aware of the various arts, travels, cinema, museums, culture and geography to be a world recognized brand.”
Khan continued to work with Halston on a freelance basis for many years after his apprenticeship, eventually launching the fashion house Riazee in 1981. This clothing label named after his mother was carried in influential American retail stores for about a decade.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe launched his eponymous label in 2003 and began showcasing his collections at New York Fashion Week in 2004 to rave reviews from top retailers and celebrities around the world. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Penélope Cruz, Katy Perry, and Kate Hudson have all worn Khan’s gowns. Michelle Obama has worn the brand on ten occasions, starting with her first state dinner in 2009. Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, wore a Naeem Khan dress to the Taj Mahal with Prince William in Agra, India, in April 2016.
Khan’s most recent bridal collection debuted in 2013.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (2021, April 8). Naeem Khan. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:19, May 15, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Naeem_Khan&oldid=1016631603
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