LaQuan Smith’s Closet Is Filled with ’70s Glamour & Sexy Separates

Recently nominated as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, LaQuan Smith's collections depict a respect for the female form comparable to those he counts as inspirations—Tom Ford, Thierry Mugler, Gianni Versace. He knows how to make women feel good, whether that's via a sheer catsuit, a well-tailored blazer, or a fabulous coat. When Smith is personally getting dressed, "[he's] always thinking, 'I want to look sexy.'" This notion isn't relegated to a simple, literal sense of the word—tight clothes and mesh fabrics. Instead, it's about looking and feeling powerful in figure flattering silhouettes, complementary colors to his skin tone and shades that represent things like financial stability. In his closet, we found, unsurprisingly, a lot of LaQuan, for personal and business reasons. The designer describes himself as a walking depiction of the brand's DNA though he counts his own style as slightly more classic, more clean than his collections. A '70s enthusiast, Smith favors high-waisted trousers of every variety and stylish yet practical form-fitting shirts reminiscent of a decade known for its understated glamour: the '70s. Even during the peak of the stay-at-home order, he was reaching for luxurious pajama sets. Where he will engage with other designers is in the accessories category. Think Prada handbags, a pair of chunky Bottega Veneta boots he apparently wears every day, and fragrance, but more on that later. "Originally, what intrigued me was just the excitement of fashion," reiterates Smith. After rejections from Parsons and FIT, Smith bypassed the traditional route to launch his own label in 2013, making a name for himself with his iconic 3D leggings. He has since acquired a loyal following and has dressed the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and more. His inclination towards excitement and sex appeal parallels how many of us are feeling ahead of warming temperatures and an amped up vaccine rollout: like we want to look and feel good. Click through to discover more on Smith's background, personal style, and more.