Last thing first: Naeem Khan closed his show with a sneak peek at his upcoming bridal line, launching in October. There will be lace.
Back to the beginning: Khan found inspiration in all things Latin this season, a sweeping landscape that was home to Frida Kahlo, flamenco dancers, Mexican churches, and the Moors. The models were crowned in Kahlo s signature headband braid (no unibrows), and the dresses dripped with vermilion roses. There were a few distinctly Spanish silhouettes—like an embroidered georgette peasant blouse and trumpet skirt—and a few distinctly Khan silhouettes, including a black-tie caftan with a floral cameo embroidery. Lace was used to beautiful effect here. On one strapless tulle gown it functioned as an embroidered print, a technique achieved by individually cutting and hand-sewing each piece. "It s almost like couture," Khan said. It certainly looked decadent, and was proof that a gorgeous gown doesn t need lots of feathers and finery to make a statement. This collection was feather-free, but it wasn t lacking for finery. One paillette-covered tee-and-trumpet-skirt look was so drippy with beads it provided its own clinking soundtrack. And, toward the finale, a few of the taffeta tufted and metallic beaded dresses looked positively heavy with decoration. But that s a quibble. Khan showed considerable restraint overall, and when he didn t, the result was still worth the weight.
