If designing a collection, staging a runway show and welcoming celebrity guests weren’t enough for September, LaQuan Smith has designed custom costumes for ballet dancers.
The New Yorker has created four custom looks for the all-Black and Latin cast that will perform at a one-night event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Friday. Born and raised in Queens, Smith still lives in that borough, but he was keen to explore this new challenge at the intersection of music and dance. Being “a huge fan” of Future’s music was part of the incentive for getting involved with this project. “DS2 Remixed: The Ballet” is a reinterpretation of Future’s triple platinum hip-hop album, and Smith’s body-conscious styles will be on display at the Grand Marnier-supported project. The cognac is a personal favorite too. DS2, the musician’s third studio album, which was also known as “Dirty Sprite 2” was released in 2015.
Daring, dangerous, cutout silhouettes are a signature of sorts for the designer, whose knack for cool and modern styles has culled a strong following. Wendy Williams, Lil’ Kim, Sean Combs’ twin daughters’ D’Lila and Jessie, Ice Spice, Busta Rhymes, Ice-T, Coco Austin, Latto and Brooklyn Nicole were among the celebrities who showed up at the Classic Car Club at Pier 76 for his spring-summer runway show Tuesday night. And some of his creations for the ballet dancers hint at elements of his signature collection.
Busta Rhymes, Ice-T and Coco Austin.
Steve Eichner/WWD
The cognac’s heritage (which dates back to 1827) and rich colored bottles were points of reference for Smith. But to create a cultural moment, he considered the heart of New York, all of the glam, the highs and lows, as well as theater, dance and film to finetune his design process. The end result was somewhat provocative and sexy as seen in the chiffon flowy skirt with a lace-type lingerie-inspired bodysuit. There is also a blouse and a tutu.
Although Smith never studied dance professionally, he loves music and nightlife, which he uses as inspiration and encompasses into his design process. He hasn’t yet met Future in person, but he values his contribution to hip-hop. “To use fashion to be part of that feels very cultural and exciting. This is just a dope iconic moment in time, where we are celebrating hip-hop, fashion and dance. It’s a whole amazing orchestra,” he said.
Intent on pushing forward this “new agenda of what American sexy looks like,” Smith said he was honored to be asked to be part of the one-night performance. “Art is subjective. People should take away something that is impactful and have an experience that is rich, vivid, cultural and something that is like Black excellence, if you will. There are so many takeaways that can happen Friday night. But whatever it is, if someone leaves with a takeaway, we’ve achieved our goal to impact people culturally and creatively.”
Asked if he plans to work with the Combs twins again, Smith said that backstage at his runway show was the first time that he had met them. The pair, who debuted a fashion label last summer, did not ask for any design advice. They are also interested in modeling. “They are supporters of the brand and they wear the brand. They are really great girls,” he said. “I was amazed and shocked that so many celebrities came out to support me. I was really happy about that. Most of the girls were just telling me how they love the clothes and how the clothes make them feel confident and sexy.”
That feedback fuels further designs. Smith added, “that’s what this is about — making people feel beautiful, strong and celebrated.”
Williams has been a longtime supporter of his, having met more than a decade ago. During her on-air days as a talk show host and via YouTube, Williams would occasionally give the designer shout-outs like, “I’m wearing a LaQuan Smith today,” he said. “Wendy’s always given me a lot of support as a young designer and a small business owner. To see her come out and show love warmed my heart. And she looked great and so happy.”
As for the current biggest hurdle in business, Smith said, “It’s the capital, the overhead and the operational part of the business. You have to make sure that you keep up with your deliveries and your orders. Tariffs are in play now. The world is changing so businesses are changing. Being an independent entrepreneur definitely comes with challenges but my friends call it the Renaissance era, where we are pushing culture forward. We need to create and innovate more than ever to write a new chapter and a new perspective.”
Being a “very spiritual person” and having a strong team behind him, Smith considers the challenges just to be tests. Abiding by the “slow and steady wins the race” motto, the designer said you have to fail at times, but pitfalls make you stronger, wiser and lead to better business decisions. “No one in business has not experienced challenges. You just keep on pushing, creating and learning because that’s what the world needs right now.”
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