Review

*Close up to look 7* **Photo:** Daniele Oberrauch/ Gorunway.com

LaQuan Smith, revered for his adept ability to meld sculptural elegance with a profound celebration of femininity, has once again graced the fashion world with a Spring/Summer 2024 collection that serves as a dazzling journey into a realm where the boundaries of futuristic aesthetics and unbridled glamour are seamlessly blurred. The New York Fashion Week runway was transformed into a gateway to a fashion-forward future, where Smith’s designs, eloquently characterized by their metallic sheens, sleek silhouettes, and innovative fabric manipulations, narrated a compelling story of a world that is as boldly and unapologetically envisioned as it is exquisitely brought to life.

The collection, a symphony of metallic hues and sleek, sophisticated lines, speaks to a future that is not only technologically advanced but also retains a certain glamour and elegance that has defined fashion across eras. Smith’s designs, while undeniably modern and forward-thinking, also nod to the nostalgic elements of fashion’s past, offering a collection that is both rooted in history and propelling towards the future. The metallic elements, with their reflective and shimmering qualities, serve not merely as a visual spectacle but as a metaphor for a future that, while unknown, sparkles with possibility and promise.

Smith’s designs do not merely exist in the physical realm; they traverse the boundaries between the tangible and the conceptual, offering not just garments but experiences that are to be felt, lived, and remembered. The innovative fabric manipulations, which see materials being transformed and reimagined in novel and unexpected ways, serve as a testament to Smith’s technical prowess and his ability to envision and create a future that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is technically impressive. The collection, with its bold silhouettes, innovative use of materials, and unapologetic glamour, is not just a showcase of Smith’s design capabilities but a declaration of his vision for the future of fashion – one that is fearless, imaginative, and unreservedly glamorous.

The collection is a masterful exploration of texture, form, and color, where metallic finishes and strategic cut-outs are not merely design elements but narrative tools, weaving a tale of a future that embraces both the boldness and the vulnerability of femininity. The garments, while undeniably rooted in a forward-thinking aesthetic, maintain a level of wearability, ensuring that they are not merely conceptual explorations but viable, statement-making additions to the modern woman’s wardrobe. Smith’s designs navigate the delicate balance between avant-garde innovation and accessible fashion, crafting pieces that are as much a visual spectacle as they are a testament to his technical prowess.

Smith’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection is not just a presentation of garments but a declaration of his vision for the future of fashion – one that is fearless, imaginative, and unreservedly glamorous. The pieces, with their high-octane hues, innovative fabrications, and strategic cut-outs, tell a story of a future that is not only bold and unapologetic but also intricately connected to the narratives of power, femininity, and rebellion that have defined fashion across eras. It’s a collection that doesn’t just stand out for its visual appeal but also for its embodiment of a future that is as fiercely feminine as it is fantastically futuristic.

Details We Love

The silver beaded fringe high-neck crop top from LaQuan Smith’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection didn’t just grace the runway; it owned it, becoming an undeniable showstopper that commanded attention and admiration in equal measure. Expertly crafted and meticulously modeled to the body of the model, the piece was a brilliant display of Smith’s ability to intertwine technical mastery with impeccable spectacle. The high neck, a nod to a certain regality and sophistication, juxtaposed with the playful and dynamic movement of the fringe, created a piece that was both timeless and decidedly modern.

The craftsmanship was palpable, with each bead meticulously placed, creating a shimmering cascade that danced with every step taken on the runway. But beyond the visual appeal was a deeper narrative, one that spoke to body positivity and the celebration of form. Smith’s design, while undeniably luxurious and opulent, also carried a message of empowerment, ensuring that the body upon which it was modeled was celebrated and accentuated, not hidden or overshadowed. The crop top, with its form-fitting design and strategic beading, highlighted the model’s form, creating a dialogue between the garment and wearer that was both powerful and empowering.

The green metallic side draped dress from LaQuan Smith’s collection effortlessly marries craftsmanship with a sultry allure, presenting a garment that is as technically impressive as it is visually striking. The metallic sheen of the fabric not only catches the light in a mesmerizing display but also adds a layer of opulence and luxury to the piece, ensuring that it stands out with a subtle, yet undeniable, presence on the runway. The choice of green, a color often associated with vitality and growth, infuses the dress with a vibrant energy, providing a lush backdrop upon which the metallic elements can truly shine.

The side draping is a testament to Smith’s technical skill and his ability to manipulate fabric in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and flattering to the wearer. The draping, while providing additional texture and visual interest, also serves to accentuate the form of the wearer, celebrating the body without concealing it. It’s a technique that requires a deep understanding of fabric and form, ensuring that the draping enhances the silhouette without overwhelming it. The result is a garment that is both sophisticated and seductive, providing a visual and tactile experience that is rich and multi-dimensional.