LaQuan Smith is aware of throw a celebration; there is not any doubt about that. While you issue within the mirror partitions and stylish Artwork Deco inside of the Rainbow Room, you have obtained one heck of a swanky soirée—and this stage of sophistication is obvious within the designer’s fall/winter 2023 assortment, too.
Don Ashby
The present kicked off with a mannequin performing a reimagined scene from the favored ’80s cleaning soap opera Dynasty. It was a compelling vignette, one which demonstrates a lady coming into her personal with a brand new sense of energy, and serves as a metaphor for the LaQuan Smith lady. She’s nonetheless horny, however she’s grown up. One of the best half? She is aware of who she is.
Don Ashby
Don Ashby
Fashions, with their slicked-back hair and stiletto heels, strutted down the steps and across the iconic venue carrying quite a lot of tailor-made items made for right now. Structured tuxedo jackets, low-slung (however polished) trousers, mini blazer attire, and—consider it or not—briefcases made their means throughout the ground, making a robust case for on a regular basis put on. These had been accompanied by loads of body-hugging and skin-baring staples, similar to bodysuits and two-piece units, making certain Smith’s signature intercourse enchantment was nonetheless very a lot within the assortment. And with a largely impartial shade palette (the one colours seen had been a vibrant violet and a sky blue), it additionally felt like a stark distinction to his spring 2023 present, which solely bolstered the truth that each he and his viewers are leveling up.
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Don Ashby
Don Ashby
The designer additionally took the chance to debut menswear, with one standout look being an all-black ensemble that includes black suiting, a sheer shirt, and a thin scarf. These appears felt very rock ‘n’ roll and drew clear inspiration from none aside from Lenny Kravitz, who not too long ago wore a customized LaQuan Smith outfit to the CFDA Awards in November.
Don Ashby
Maybe it was the cocktails and caviar that began the night—and the viewers, which included the likes of Teyana Taylor, Lil Nas X, Kimora Lee Simmons, and, after all, Julia Fox—off on a excessive observe, however there was a particular vitality that pulsed by the room (I, for one, left the present with my coronary heart racing). It might have been Smith’s voice over the music stating, “That is LaQuan Smith.” Regardless, one can not deny it: LaQuan Smith is right here.
Don Ashby
Don Ashby
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Vogue Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Beforehand, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Put on, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and extra. She loves trend, meals, and artwork, amongst different issues—however her biggest love is Okay-pop idol V of BTS.
