Naeem Khan was recently engaged to modeling Madlena Kalinova, and to celebrate their upcoming wedding, the couple took a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria together. (Kalinova is Bulgarian.) Although the intention of the trip was to meet some family members of Kalinova and visit her native country, Khan was beaten during the visit of fashion inspiration. “Bulgaria is so undiscovered and they have such a great culture,” says Khan. “It is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe.”
Absorbingly in the lively architecture and surroundings, Khan took his findings back to his design studio, where he collaborated Bulgarian motifs with his own characteristic Indian traditional work for Resort. Complicated embroidery is an important fashion due to both cultures. “Their embroidery reminded me of what we have in India,” said Khan. Only in Bulgaria, the designer notes, the colors and patterns of the embroidery are much more saturated, a quality that he was inspired to translate into his characteristic evening clothing, creating a handy mix of dresses and dresses with a joyful and cheerful feeling.
A few dramatic layered dresses made of raffia with fringes open the lookbook. One was designed in shades of cool blues, while the other had color in shades red, pink and orange. ‘The stitching [we did] Looks a lot like Bulgarian stitching, “Khan noted. A lover snake dress with long sleeves in a pixeled blend of pastel shades was inspired by the carpets that Khan found along his store adventures, and his use of gold materials refer to the Bulgarian churches that he strongly admired while playing the tourist. ” They have this incredibly detailed detailed metal work, “he said.
Mining inspiration of distant locations is of course nothing new for designers. For Khan, who is known for his impeccable constructions, the focus on traditional vessels was completely logical, although it would have been fun if he was involved in a certain Bulgarian artist or collective. (The line between cultural appreciation and the possession remains a difficult one.) But for Khan the intention was all festive. “This entire collection was based on love – it is based on my love, whom I am going to marry,” he said. One has to wonder: will he design the wedding dress of his fiancé? “It will be difficult for me not to be involved,” he hinted.