The first time I really became familiar with Naeem Khan was at Larry Herbert’s 80th birthday celebration in Palm Beach. Larry’s wife, Michele, a good friend and a supreme hostess, wore a Naeem Khan gown (among several others that night) that literally took my breath away.

It was long, silvery, shimmery, sexy, elegant and just as gorgeous as they come. Naeem was also at the party, which gave me the opportunity to meet him and rave about how much I liked his designs.

This season’s show was sensational, each dress more beautiful than the last. And Naeem’s ladies came out in force, including Michele Herbert, naturally; DJ Donna D’Cruz (who supplied the show’s music); Lucia Hwong-Gordon; Ghislaine Maxwell; and Jamie Gregory.

Naeem can handle anything from flowing caftans to much more buttoned-up looks, providing clothes for all sorts of occasions. Over the years, from St Tropez to Cannes to fabulous black-tie summer soirées, I’ve seen my friends wearing these works of art. And now I’ve been seduced, as well.

I even loved the show’s styling, including the big hair (not for everyone, I guess, but very much my sort of thing) and the unusual jewelry, which looked vaguely Indian but went beyond typical references. It was created by Naeem’s wife, Ranjana Khan, and really enhanced the collection.

Snapping pictures of dresses on the runway and tweeting from the front row

Loved this girl’s dress (even though it’s not Naeem’s!)

With Lucia Hwong-Gordon

Beautiful women bearing flowers for Naeem

With Naeem at the New Yorkers For Children 2010 Fall Gala

As the show ended, the crowd jumped to its feet for a standing ovation, offering well-deserved applause for such a special designer. As luck would have it, I bumped into Naeem a few nights later at the New Yorkers For Children 2010 Fall Gala and was charmed all over again. I, for one, am adding him to my list of new favorites!

Photographs by Wai Ng; last image by Noël Sutherland; runway images via Style.com