Vintage Naeem Khan Embellished Silk Gown, Riazee Collection

This rare vintage Naeem Khan embellished silk gown is a hard-to-find example of the designer's early work. Born in Mumbai, Khan cultivated the knowledge and skills of a couturier under his grandfather and father, both of whom designed intricate clothing worn by Indian royal families. After coming to the United States, he launched his career in the 1970s as an apprentice for iconic American designer Halston, during the brand's heyday. In 1981 he founded his own line, "Naeem Kahn, Riazee Collection"— this dress hails from that label. Since his couture-level designs from this era are largely one-of-a-kind pieces, its exceedingly rare to find his pieces from this period. Constructed entirely of silk chiffon, this dress an example of Naeem Khan's signature embellishment. I love that the intricate beading is offset by its relatively simple shape. The heavily embellished bodice has a rich and clustered, almost baroque, feeling. The sequin elements have an incredible iridescence, refracting light in a range of hues with your every movement. Using pearls of different sizes creates a magical  sense of depth. At the empire waist, beading is draped in scallops at the waistband, forming swags with incredible movement. Hidden hooks at each cuff allow the sleeves to have an otherwise-unattainable sleek, fitted look.  The skirt consists of four layers of bias-cut silk chiffon. The cut creates a lettuce hem, and these layers are tiered at the hem, which emphasizes this delicate flutter edge. Of the skirt's four layers, one is a midnight blue, creating dimension— it's these subtle but incredible thoughtful design details that help make this pieces so unbelievably special. 

Measurements: This dress will work best for a size X-Small or possibly Small, depending on exact proportions— please refer to below measurements to be sure. It has a petite cut and will work best on someone who isn't tall. (It's shown on someone 5'7" to the proportions are slightly off.)

Shoulders: 13.5" between shoulder seams (shoulder pads extend further)
Chest: 30" laid flat, up to about 32" pulled taut
Waistband: 26.5" laid flat, up to about 27.5" pulled taut (it's hitting as a true empire waist in the images, but on a shorter person, this will hit slightly closer to the natural waist)

Hips are free
Length: 49.75" 

Great vintage condition. There is a specific area on the back near the shoulder where  there is some loss to beading, but because the embellishment is so dense, it's not noticeable at all when worn; the placement also makes it even less noticeable. The dress presents beautifully. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email shop@verybreezy.com for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.

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