The extraordinary Naeem Khan is a unique designer, with a faithful–and well-heeled–clientele: Susan Fales-Hill, Muffie Potter Aston, Mischa Barton (who I saw backstage) and Donna D’Cruz. They all come out to support Naeem, who creates amazing, over-the-top pieces. He draws on elements as varied as caftans, cowgirl fringe and ’30s halter-necked gowns, recombines them–and the result in each and every case is totally glam.

Naeem isn’t about daywear: his focus is on beautiful clothes to wear for big evenings out, or for special events. For example, I happened to run into him, his wife and Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo at the Beverly Hills Hotel last spring. They were in town for the wedding of a prominent Hollywood mogul–and Naeem, of course, had designed the bride’s wedding gown.

The finale of Naeem’s show: one beautiful gown after another Photograph by Wai Ng

Backstage after the show: Susan with Mischa Barton Photograph by Wai Ng

This Spring 2012 collection was no exception: it was full of color, shimmer and glitter, and there were plenty of spectacular gowns (including a long, yellow show-stopper). Naeem–always the soft-spoken gentleman–is a smart designer who’s obviously found his niche, and wow…what a success!

Photographs by Wai Ng. Runway images via Style.com