Naeem Khan's star-spangled collection pays homage to America

Designer Naeem Khan sent models down the runway Tuesday in a shimmering, star-spangled collection the immigrant called his love letter to America, recalling how he started his brand with only USD 500 and plenty of determination.

I am where I am today out of sheer time and hard work and it's because of this country, he said during an emotional interview backstage. This is my homage to thanking America.

The opening look was an almost couture take on Uncle Sam with white satin pants, a bold red belt and navy blouse covered with white stars.

Next up were shimmering blue sequined prints with white stars one an elegant long-sleeved jumpsuit, the other a glamorous hooded caftan. Several of his signature caftans were also done in American reds and blues.

Models wore elaborate gold and silver headpieces, evocative of the Statue of Liberty. Others had gold and silver sprigs shooting out of sleek buns, giving off the feel of fireworks.

It's an election year and I wanted something to make a statement that says America, said Khan.

His love affair with animal prints continued in this collection with leopard print blouses and dresses, both short and long. A short, pink, sequin fringe dress was paired with thigh high leopard print boots. A show-stopping, full skirted dress in head-to-toe leopard had a dramatic neckline that plunged to the navel.

But the stars and stripes fuss waned toward the end of the collection when Khan sent models out in a rainbow palette of elegant, A-line gowns. Some had elaborate hand-beading in a floral motif. H