India is his inspiration

While Naeem has a huge loft atelier in Manhattan’s garment district, his inspiration and his aesthetics are drawn from India where he grew up – and Indian touches find their way into his glamorous couture.

“I might not do India consciously but India always comes to it in a way,” he says. “India is a country with so many layers and texturing of colours and design.’’

Design is in his DNA. Naeem’s grandfather was the founder of S.U.Zariwala, an embroidery house in Mumbai catering especially to brides. His father, a well-known couturier, continued the family business and expanded it taking some styles to theWest.

Colours, threads, beads and sequins were all part of his world when growing up and Naeem, who enjoyed sketching designs from the age of 12, seamlessly slipped into the business. “My dad was a real innovator when it came to techniques and when you grow up with someone like him, it rubs off on you.”

After seven years of learning the skills and techniques in Mumbai, Naeem accompanied his father to New York where he met the then