During New York Fashion Week, the masses keep their eyes peeled for the latest and greatest from household haute couture names and emerging designers. Among the talented designers displaying their artistry on the runway is LaQuan Smith. A queer Black man from Queens, New York, LaQuan Smith is a designer who has gained popularity throughout recent years within the fashion industry. If you don’t recognize the name, you may recognize the iconic show Smith produced last New York Fashion Week for his 2022 Spring Summer line. Smith’s epic moment will go down in fashion history as the first show to be hosted at the top of the Empire State Building.
The brand’s modern, feminine, and unapologetic style has stood the test of time and contrasts the rise in sportswear and streetwear that the industry is seeing. Laquan Smith is an example of staying true to yourself, and your vision will be appreciated as the brand has experienced a significant surge in sales since 2020. Bold, sexy, and glamorous, the clothing celebrates the female form with form-fitting clothes that flatter any figure. Smith attributes his love for fashion to the women in his family, specifically, his grandmother, who taught him sewing and pattern making—inspired by women, now Smith styles inspiring women. Among the women Smith has designed for are Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and more. Needless to say, if you haven’t already been paying attention to Laquan Smith, you should.
As a New York native, Smith sources fabric in the New York garment district and maintains partnerships with international artisans. Smith promotes empowerment both through female dress but also through empowering local garment workers by giving them a platform through his brand. Self-funded and self-made, the Laquan Smith brand is a testament that staying true to yourself through trials and tribulations pays off. Even though Smith was denied from Parsons and FIT, he’s still here today, wowing the world.
