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Women's

Naeem Khan: Polo Player, Art Collector, RHONY Observer

Designer Naeem Khan swung into Neiman Marcus San Francisco to meet fans of his stunning, hand-worked eveningwear before heading to the Asian Art Museum, where his gowns were showcased in conjunction with a new exhibit on Maharaja’s jewels. Before it all, we spoke with the Indian-American designer about dressing the First Lady, taking up polo and, oddly enough, The Real Housewives of New York City.

NM: Did you ever think your collection would be paired with these historic jewels?

NK: Since I was a kid, this type of thing has always been my dream. I want to be known for taking something from the history of India—clothing made by hand and embellished by hand, and so many humans involved in working on each piece. Step by step, that is coming. But it’s taken me 30 years since I started working with Halston as a teenager to where I am today.

NM: Your business has grown since the recession. 

NK: Yes. Basically after 2008, my business was stagnant, which was actually fantastic. But in 2011 we suddenly just saw a spurt of 30%. It was amazing. I’m not saying people are splurging like they used to in 2006, but I think I’m giving my clients such broad options, from glamour to caftans to sexy cocktail dresses. So, whatever your occasion or your body, you can find something. All those $30,000  to $40,000 dresses are selling, but not as steady as those that are $5,000 to $8,000, which are doing amazing. The confidence of the consumer has really come back. People aren’t afraid of looking too glamourous or glitzy. And I am here for them!

NM: You’ve dressed everybody from Michelle Obama to Beyonce. What was your red carpet high point?

NK: By far, Michelle Obama. When they asked me to do one dress for her, I did three because I thought, ‘I cannot let this get out of my hands.’ But they don’t tell you if she’s going to wear it. So I was in Miami relaxing, and I got a call from my PR office saying that CNN would like to interview me about the fashion at the White House since the Prime Minister of India was going to be there. So, I was getting ready to go there and the TV was on… and there she was, wearing my gown. The world lit up for me. When you are the third most Googled thing in the world, it is crazy! And not only that, when CNN found out she was wearing my dress they were so excited about the scoop. The next day, the world wanted to know who Naeem Khan was. I think due to Mrs. Obama I was able to stay steady in a bad economy. I think it really saved my business.

NM: You  just got back from Miami and are being trained in polo. How long have you been playing?

NK: I sort of grew up with horses, so I’m somewhat comfortable with them. And now, at this age, it is great that I can hire Argentinian trainers to make me into a polo player! I’m transforming my body. They’re making me strong and polo-fit and training me on horses. My core was not ready for it. It’s crazy. I do 8 to 10 days a month of training in Miami, and by next year I should be full-on playing on a team.

NM: You’re also a big art collector. 

NK: I do love art and I collect mostly contemporary art. I have a great friend, Rachel Hovnanian, and she’s doing a big piece of silver leaf work for my Miami apartment, which is all glass and modern, and it’s on the 50th floor and there’s a swimming pool in the apartment. I had to take a place that is so stark, but give it my Indian touch. So, I went to India and had a 11 by 9 foot crystal chandelier built for the 22-foot ceilings. It’s all old-world crystals and based on the palaces of India. With the art, I want it to be all black and white. I have a huge photograph of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes by a friend that looms over a bed. I collect art from my friends. I have some Warhols, but I knew Warhol. I have real relationships with my artist friends and I collect them because it’s personal.

NM: Don’t you have any low-brow pursuits? Do you watch reality television?

NK: No, but a very dear friend of mine, Carole Radziwill, is going to be on The Real Housewives of New York City and they are going to be coming into my studio, and I’m going to dress her for the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. I usually don’t watch it, but it’s coming into my life, so I’m interested.

Shop Naeem Khan at NeimanMarcus.com and in select Neiman Marcus stores.