A Conversation with Naeem Khan

AS REPORTED BY MYRDITH LEON-MCCORMACK

One of the initiatives we wanted to create under the newly formed Multicultural Committee is a section where we celebrate, you the designers, who are faced with a plethora of challenges.

As each designer grapples with the challenges of creating a full collection in the midst of the age of the new normal-- presenting a collection digitally without a live audience or a limited number of people present, all while racial unrest unfolds, and the mudslinging of an election.   How can an artist find a space in today's environment, while being sensitive to the world around them?

"It is not easy", admits many designers. But they are hopeful, they want to be the creator of joy even if it is in a small way. 

We decided for our inaugural feature we would talk to Naeem Khan, Indian born, American bred designer.  Naeem Khan is a gem that has captured the heart and soul of those of us that love fashion from the media to the consumer. Khan came to America at the tender age of 19 with the intention of studying Western Fashion under the direction of the iconic designer Halston because of the working relationship his father had with the designer.

He made an impression on the iconic designer and quickly became a part of his team, and was thrown into the world of fashion in a time where American designers were just starting to make their mark in the growing world of fashion.

Naeem has come to be one of the most sought after designers in the industry and has wowed us with his work during New York Fashion Week for years. So it was only natural for him to make the transition to bridal.  But that transition was not easy he admits.  He credits Mark Ingram for assisting him in getting a better understanding of the vast contrast between the world of ready-to-wear and bridal.  He admits it was a humbling experience he rather enjoyed and built to become the success he is today.

He also admits the privileges he has enjoyed because of the power his family has and the connection, resources, they were able to pass on to him in the fashion world. He continues to say that he doesn't take that for granted, but utilizes them and continues to support those back home in India, as well as making sure his runways are reflective of the beauty he knows that all women have from various backgrounds.  "As a man of color, I know it isn't easy, I worked hard to earn my place. So I try to treat everyone with dignity" says Khan.
Khan has dressed Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Beyoncé, among many others. As an editor, I have seen his commitment to INCLUSION repeatedly, and consistently.  His workmanship is a reflection of the pride he takes in dressing a woman.  This was expressed during several of his interviews after he had the honor of dressing the former first lady--Michelle Obama.  He admits that having that opportunity literally put his company on the map.  "It was a dream come true."

As humble as Khan may be about his rise to stardom, he knows he earned it, and he is not shy about speaking up about the disparity that exists in the fashion world.  And he is hopeful that it will change but knows he can't be silent.  And we read his expression when he was interviewed for Page Six when the racial unrest began these past few months, and the bold transitions began taking place asking companies to look within their own structure to make the fashion world truly colorful and beautiful by being inclusive and inviting. 

We are delighted to Feature Naeem Khan as our first member profile for our ongoing conversation on diversity and inclusion. We can't wait to see what the October market has in store for us!