LAQUAN SMITH

The Queens-born-and-based designer’s New York hustle and signature aesthetic have earned him interest from the industry, celebrities. Smith’s version of the concept isn’t about billowing ball gowns or staid cocktail dresses; he specializes in unbridled sensuality for the Instagram generation. Apt to outfit his models in sheer fabrics and towering heels, Smith is a provocateur who has cornered the market on eveningwear for exhibitionists. With high-profile fans like Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, and Beyoncé, his collection has become a hot ticket, with the block-wrapping lines, gate-crashers, and star-studded front rows that accompany every big New York Fashion Week event. Given the buzz, Smith seemed intent on delivering more than the traditional show, and, at times, his Spring Studios event felt larger than life.