The Inspiration behind the Tampa Museum of Art’s annual “CITY: Fashion+Art+Culture” event, Naeem Khan, took some time to speak with Tampa Bay METRO about the upcoming March 4, 2023 event.
METRO: Tell us about yourself.
Naeem Kahn: I love life. Art, culture, history, family, fashion, cooking, travels. I grew up in a family of artists and fashion. My father is my most important inspiration and my mother, salt of the earth who loves me unconditionally. How can you not love life?
M: What inspires you and your creations?
NK: Fashion for me is about history, travels and culture. Nature inspires me. A great book opens my mind to unimaginable thoughts. Fashion is about how we live and function. Life itself is the greatest fashion inspiration.
M: When did you know that you wanted to be in fashion and become a designer?
NK: As a young boy of 12, I would get lost in fashion magazines, imagining the life of fashionable women across the world. The clothes they wore and their lifestyle. I knew then I loved fashion and hopefully one day would be a designer. But, I never imagined my dream would be a reality.
M: If you could have been anything other than a fashion designer what would you have been?
NK: I also loved architecture as a kid. Dreamt of beautiful structures and interiors. Architecture would have been my next best love.
M: Who is your muse?
NK: The one’s I love are my muse, as they bring strength to whatever I do.
M: What is a favorite fashion trends, both past and current?
NK: I do not follow trends. My favorite though was the ‘70s. Life was about freedom and fashion reflected that. It’s my favorite era of fashion.
M: Your favorite legendary fashion icon?
NK: My favorite fashion icons are Dior, YSL, Jean Paul Gaultier and Halston.
M: Fool proof fashion must have items?
NK: A classic black dress. A great cashmere shawl. A string of pearls and diamond studs. A pair of classic jeans and a crisp white cotton shirt or t-shirt.
M: What can we expect from your runway show at the Tampa Museum of Art?
NK: I am very excited to show my collection at the Tampa Museum on March 4th. The collection is based on my love for flowers.
M: Why and how did you become involved with CITY for the Tampa Museum of Art?
NK: I am a big supporter of the arts, specifically contemporary art. Tampa Museum of Art is one of the museums that realize the importance of fashion in arts. Hence, my love for the Tampa Museum of contemporary arts.
—By Ronda M. Parag
