23 (!) year-old LaQuan Smith made his debut at New York Fashion Week two years ago, to an audience that included Vogue Editor-at-large André Leon Talley. This is his fourth season at NYFW, and with a guest list boasting names like June Ambrose and stylist Ty Hunter, it seems the buzz around this young designer will not be quieted anytime soon.
LaQuan is an expert at crafting that saucy party attire that is chic and sexy, but never tawdry. This collection is rife with such looks. The designer offered a series of innovative looks in a collection aptly titled “Robotic Dream.” Think Star Trek meets the nightclub: bodycon dresses, sporty jackets, bodysuits, crop tops and flared miniskirts were adorned (or made entirely) with slick, irridescent vinyl sheets coming in green, violet, blue, orange, and pink hues.
Smith offers several worked looks, like a blue strapless vinyl dress that snatches in at the waist and flares out in affected, dimensional pleats. His more monochromatic pieces are ornamented with sheets of molded metal, hanging from hemlines, curving to frame the waist and hips, and accenting turtleneck collars. These sculpted pieces create the futuristic silhouettes which could have easily looked costume-y. Instead, they read as wearable and can easily paired with timeless wardrobe staples.
Of course, Smith is selling to a very particular customer: she’s a young, fashion-forward, loves to party– and has a tight little body. While the clothes are undoubtedly wearable, they’re definitely for a certain crowd. If you’re the type who loves classic elegance, this collection is not for you. However, if you’re looking for edgy party attire, these offerings are right up your alley.
What do you think?
February 19, 2012 8:24 am
Wow….luv this….there’s absolutely nothing here I could or would wear, but he is super talented. Love his work.
February 19, 2012 9:31 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! These designs are AMAZING!! Has a very Futuristic edge to the designs. I love the grey dress with the colour panels. HOTTT
February 19, 2012 9:38 am
There are plenty of pieces here that I would wear. But I am a younger woman. Cassie would kill a lot of these looks. I think he is growing, I hope he is able to keep expanding his fan base. I would like to see where he is in five years. Hopefully he breaks out of his mold to really try very different things. But I understand that takes funding.
February 19, 2012 11:10 am
I like the first outfit.
February 19, 2012 11:29 am
What a talented guy! His pieces are so innovative!
February 19, 2012 1:43 pm
he is very talented but these designs would’ve been everything a few yrs back due to the futuristic feel…he still gets a round of applause….I am loving the jacket and dresses…I think they would be awesome pieces for performers….I can only imagine how much his work will grow as he gets older and continues the process of perfecting his craft
February 19, 2012 5:06 pm
Very futuristic.
February 19, 2012 5:50 pm
Loooove this!!!
February 19, 2012 6:30 pm
I love the dress in the 3rd pic. Probably the only one I could wear although I love several pieces from the collection. Oh and these ads are driving me insance. I understand Claire “gotta get that paper” but the constant collapsing of ads is starting to get a bit irritating.
February 19, 2012 6:44 pm
Very creative and daring, but can you sit down in these dresses is the question?
February 20, 2012 4:02 am
I loved this collection, I was there for this presentation, and it looks like one of my photos made it into this post picture #6 to be exact, cool.
February 20, 2012 9:49 am
His work is always so theatrical, he walks a fine line but always seems to make it wearable. I like it a lot!
February 20, 2012 12:54 pm
I love every piece Eugenia looks AMAZING any girl wearing this stuff is SICKENING!
February 20, 2012 2:03 pm
This guy’s talent goes far beyond fashion runways..proof’s in the lining..lol I love him!