Naeem Khan gets a boost from a trio of '70s Halston muses

NEW YORK — Naeem Khan brought 1970s glam back to New York Fashion Week with the help of a few models of the era.

The Halston icons Pat Cleveland, Karen Bjornson and Alva Chinn closed Khan's show Tuesday in silver sequined evening gowns, joined by the veteran designer on the runway for his bow.

Khan is known for his sparkling evening looks, but he got his start at Halston back in the day.

"I grew up working for Halston. So, the people at that time — Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Katharine Graham, Martha Graham — these were people, it was not just about fashion itself. It's about the energy that they portray," he told The Associated Press.

And while Khan is no stranger to beautiful designs, he explained that creating new collections is all about evolving the concept of "glamour" and keeping it new and fresh.

"It's not about having a gown. You can buy a jacket, you can buy a vest, you can buy a scarf, so it's how you mix it and how you create your own," Khan said.

For fall, his concept was very '70s bohemian, he said.

"Mick Jagger and everybody was going to India. The idea was freedom. The idea was liberty, and today politically what is happening. So, it's kind of taking the energy from that," Khan said.

"Will and Grace" star Debra Messing was on the front row. She said she can't get enough of Khan's clothing.

"I have been a fan of Naeem Khan's designs for years and years," she said. "I had the glorious privilege of wearing his design to the Golden Globes this year, and I am just so excited to be able to see his collection because everything he does is always just glamour."

Ryan Seacrest also sat front row and said he, too, is wowed by his good friend's designs.

"The Oscars are coming up, so I am kind of thinking about what he may be making for those who will be on the carpet for the Oscars," he said.

The Academy Awards are Feb. 24.

Khan's sleek and funky collection featured head-to-toe embellishments, velvet and full-on sequined pantsuits, along with ornately patterned kimono-inspired blouses, robes and flowy sheaths. There were fun and flirty feathered cocktail minis and jackets paired with glittering tops and unique neckties.

The models sported big, voluminous '70s waves in their hair as they rocked the runway to the tunes of Pink Floyd and Queen.