Naeem Khan to Open State of the Art Atelier in Miami

Photo: Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Designer Naeem Khan has always had a broad vision for his brand. His latest project is an ambitious 50,000 square foot atelier built on the Miami River in Downtown Miami. The space will house Naeem Khan management headquarters, and will include state of the art production and designing facilities. The atelier will bring jobs to Miami and will keep the unique skills necessary to create Couture alive.

"The idea was born about 2 years ago, at my fashion show in Michigan," said Khan. "I was approached by a friend to see if I was interested in establishing my production in Detroit; many spaces were available and the local government was willing to help put this together. The idea to produce in America has always been a dream, having design and production under one roof. [Local Detroit fashion brand] Shinola was one of the inspirations."

"I happened to have my weekend home in Miami, and I love it there," Khan continued. "At the end of last year, with the help of Rosario Kennedy, one of the finest lobbyists in Miami, I met with Commissioner Bruno Barreiro. He saw the vision and took immediate action. Next I had a meeting with Mayor Carlos Gimenez, a man with a global vision for his mega city. His motto, 'One Community One Goal' is in keeping with our project. We proudly will be the first luxury fashion production and design facility in Miami Dade. He has been very instrumental in making sure this comes to light. The atelier will generate over a hundred high paying creative jobs in the near future. We will collaborate with the local State Universities to create fashion programs and provide internships to teach and inspire students. This dream could not have been a reality without Mayor Gimenez and his team."

Gimenez and Barreiro are equally excited about Miami's collaboration with Khan.

“I want to welcome Naeem Khan to Miami-Dade County," said Mayor Gimenez. "We are thrilled to have him and his company join our world class community and look forward to the new jobs and the new industry that will be created here as a result of the relocation.”

"I am excited to welcome the renowned Naeem Kham fashion label to Miami-Dade County," said Commissioner Barreiro. "By activating an underutilized public property, Naeem Kham will help bring new life to the fashion industry in Miami, while also generating new high paying jobs."

The 50,000 square feet studios will have the ability to expand to approximately 300,000 square feet. A world-class architect will be chosen to execute the designer's dream.

"Zaha Hadid and Chad Oppenheim are dear friends. We have much to do before this decision," muses Khan.

Four high end collections will be produced per year, leading to yearlong production. Premier collections - limited edition pieces for Khan's top-tiered clients - will also be produced on site.

"The nature of my dresses requires us to employ only very highly trained artisans and technicians," said Khan. "Production of my Bridal, Ready To Wear and Couture collections will be done by over a hundred highly trained technicians. Miami is a great hub for highly skilled garment technicians, predominantly from the US and South America. We also intend to bring teachers to train the employees from India and Europe."

"Premier collection pieces are mostly made by hand and require hundreds of hours to produce," Khan continues. "The fabrics and various materials are imported from Europe or Asia. It requires many workers to produce one garment. They are not entirely couture but can be. We intend to launch a premier show 2016 in New York and Miami. The target customers are royalty and wealthy socialites predominantly from the US, the Middle East and Latin America."

Khan continues to break new ground in the fashion industry. What advice would he give to a young designer, starting out?

"You have to pay your dues in fashion," says Khan. "Exposure to various arts and lifestyles is important. Travel the world if possible. There is no way out of hard work, and to being true to your vision. It’s a tough business, and one that can be disillusioning at times, but be strong and keep on marching. It's only fashion."