Dubai: Tributes paid to Derek Khan, former stylist to the stars

Celebrity stylist Derek Khan, who passed away in Dubai on February 15 at the age of 63, has been mourned by his former associates and acquaintances.

Khan was an in-house stylist for Motown records and also a guest judge on reality show America’s Next Top Model. He styled high-profile hip-hop and R&B stars including Salt-N-Pepa, Lil' Kim, Lauryn Hill and Pink.

He rose to prominence in the 1990s when he transformed the look of popular rappers Salt-N-Pepa famous for hits like Whatta Man and Push It.

He had been living in Dubai since 2007.

“Thank you for everything you were Salt n Pepa’s first real stylist,” wrote Cheryl ‘Salt’ James on Instagram, paying tribute.

“Derek Khan was celebrated in the United States of America for introducing high fashion to hip-hop,” wrote Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassimi as part of a long post on February 16. She called him an “old friend” and added, “Derek may you Rest In Peace.”

The news of your passing has broken my heart.. you were the one who believed in me so much so that you called @tyrabanks and told her that I must be on #ANTM .. you coined me a “Lifestyle Expert” and you pushed me to be just that! Now you #ShineOn for eternity! #DerekKhan #RIP wrote Max Tucci, host of podcast MAX & Friends, Lifestyle Expert & Author, on Twitter.

“Well I did film a few styling segments for my then TV show High Life Dubai. Know him as someone full of vibrant energy. Always smiling and super funny,” said Dubai-based television personality Uma Ghosh.

• CityTimes