A homecoming

New York-based Naeem Khan may have dressed some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Eva Longoria, Kate Beckinsale and Beyonce but the designer has not forgotten his roots. In what he calls, 'the coming back of a son', Naeem will showcase in India for the first time in his hometown Mumbai at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013 next month.

He admits, that he's not aware of how Indian fashion weeks work, but wants his brand to grow globally. “Having received a tremendous amount of recognition, I felt it was time to spread my wings in India. The collection I'll be showing is a combination of some old and new designs — fall and spring wear. I'll be editing the collection for an Indian audience but it will be true to my style — glamourous, theatrical and wearable evening wear,” he says.

Talking about how Indian fashion is more appreciated today, Naeem says when he started out there were hardly any desi designers making waves. “India is slowly becoming a frontrunner of many talents. There are amazing schools that offer a great platform to young talents.

However, the fashion industry is tough and one needs lots of luck, money and hard work to make it,” he explains, adding, “As Indians, it's in our DNA to create craft. We have one of the richest cultures and I'm constantly on a quest to modernise, twist and change what I already know and where I come from. I've learnt much about embroidery techniques and combining colours from my father and grandfather and apply that even today.”

Dressing the First Lady, Michelle Obama is a great honour for him. “She is a very real person. She loves things that deal with art and craft and appreciates the efforts that go into the clothes I make. I'm besides myself that she's chosen to wear my designs on so many occasions,” says Naeem, who recently displayed an art-deco inspired line at the New York Fashion Week. As for his future plans he adds, "I'd love to enter the beauty market in India. I want to do a collaboration for a cosmetics, fragrance and accessories line.”