Lunch with Fashion Designer Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan with Detroit area models in his Fall 2009 gowns.

Model Lauren Poole-Romeo with Naeem Khan

Internationally-known fashion designer Naeem Khan, who has dressed the likes of Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria and Beyonce, visited metro Detroit this week to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Michigan Chapter.
Hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection, Khan attended a benefactor party at the home of Harriett and Sheldon Fuller last night. Today, he showed his Fall 2009 collection at a luncheon and fashion show at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills.
I had the pleasure of being seated right next to Naeem, and he was a delight.
Khan's go-glam-or-go-home attitude was reflected in his sumptuous gowns and cocktail dresses characterized by metallic textures, chunky rhinestone collars and rich fabric created by laser printing a floral design on lace using the latest technology.
"I don't hold back. You come to me for a full dose of glamour," he said. "Don't dilly dally here or there. You want attention, you're going to get attention with my clothes."
The Indian born designer, now based in New York City, is celebrating 30 years of marriage to his wife, Ranjana, who has her pick of Khan's designs.
“I created this collection in reaction to the doom and gloom that the world was falling apart. It’s scary, scary times,” Khan said. “You either went all the way up or you really sized down.”
Yvette Bing, wife of newly-elected Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, (shown here with her Saks personal shopper Samia Jallad) is a big fan of Khan's work. His fashion show was her first outing as first lady. Bing has several of the designer's pieces, including a black shift adorned with a snaking design of white pearls and beadwork.
"I wanted to wear it today but I thought it would be too formal," she said.
After snapping a few photos with the models backstage, including my good friend Lauren Poole-Romeo (picture above), Khan raced off for the airport, jetting back to NYC to accept a "Dare to Dream" award from the Diabetes Research Institute this evening.

Call Ken Dewey, director of the 5th Avenue Club at Saks, (248) 643-9000, to pre-order any of Khan's pieces.