If you haven’t heard of LaQuan Smith, you should definitely check out his latest 2011 Fall Collection, Eclipse. He has certainly created a name for himself with his self-titled women’s line, LaQuan Smith, also known as LQS. At the young age of 13, LaQuan began sewing with a Singer sewing machine given to him by his grandmother. Raised in Queens, LaQuan interned for New York’s BlackBook Magazine at the age of 19. He would attend events pretending to be a BlackBook editor, and only a year later created his brand. A few years after, in 2010, he made his New York Fashion Week debut which was embraced with much acceptance. His clothing has maintained a fashion forward view and his new Fall collection has an 80’s yet futuristic feel, with sharp lines, cut outs, bold shoulders, blacks, whites and electric blues. One example, pictured here, is my favorite of the line.

LaQuan has dressed such artists as Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna and even had Serena Williams appear in his 2011 Spring/Summer collection unveiling, which was inspired by Marie Antoinette. Serena wore an orange and gold brocade bustier dress with a dramatic poofy skirt at the close of the show. For a change of pace LaQuan had the models stop near the guests’ tables to interact and even flirt with them. LaQuan, no stranger to a fight, continued to pursue his dream while battling cancer and is now making bold moves as he marks his place in the world of design.

Article By
Hope Gilmore