Meet Laquan Smith

Only in my wildest dreams could I have painted a picture so perfect—meeting LaQuan Smith, one of the most talked designers, the designer I adore in my head, not only for his ingenious design aesthetic and fine silhouettes, but as I had come to find, his genuine warmth and humility was all too perfect.

Chatting with LaQuan Smith, as he rummaged through his A/W ‘10 collection, prepping backstage for its final debut at Fall ‘10 FBH Philadelphia Fashion Week, I saw no signs of a haughty disposition, (which is the norm in the industry these days,) but rather a cool, free spirit with a delightful sense of humor.

As I marveled through each piece from LaQuan’s Water Goddess Collection, his eyes lit up with gleeful appreciation, as he described the inspiration behind each garment as though he were talking about it for the first time.

One would think that hearing endless praises from Vogue’s Editor at Large, Andre Leon Tally, and being the talk about town as some of the hottest celebrities such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga, donned his garments, could have the potential to turn a young twenty-two year old, with a rags to riches tale, into a monster.

But not so.

During my chat with LaQuan Smith, he revealed much more than just the visionary behind the glitzy dresses with the stunning embellished shoulders, and polka dot jackets. He revealed the method to his art, vanity in the industry, and the direction for his New York Fashion Week spring ‘2011 collection.

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One thing I like about you already is that you seem to have fun, like you don’t let the industry jade you. Are you always this laid back and approachable?

I just believe in being yourself. Just be yourself. I just believe in having fun with fashion and not taking it too seriously. I think that when you’re really true to your artistry, and who you are as an artist, I think you can really flow with everything. I’m really about that whole cool, easy, breezy, beautiful aesthetic, and I just live life.

Your career practically elevated overnight. Andre Leon Tally goes hard for you! (Laughs) How has the transition been for you?
It’s always going to be, like every time I think about it, I think it’s a great moment and I’m very fortunate to have some of these opportunities that I’ve had, and every now and then I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, did I really do that?’

How would you describe the LaQuan Smith woman?
She’s just the woman who enters the building and you know she entered. You’re like, ‘Oh, there she goes.’

What can we expect for your New York Fashion Week spring ‘11 Collection?
I can’t tell you everything, but I am doing this kind of couture sensibility to the collection and I just got back from Paris and Africa, which was so dope! It was so dope, I had so much fun out there and I think Paris definitely inspired me for the collection- just the culture and the French. all the research I’ve been doing. So I’m really excited to show everybody what I’ve been working on, so it’s gonna be cool!

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For more on LaQuan Smith visit: laquansmith.com

For more on FBH Philadelphia Fashion Week visit: phillyfashionweek.org