Artist Spotlight: Laquan Smith

Artist Spotlight is a fashion-focused segment that takes a deep dive into the unique backstories and their creative processes. Highlighting the fashion industry's hidden gems and innovative talents.

Smith was born in Queens, New York in 1988. Growing up his grandmother and other women in his life were role models to him. Smith’s grandmother also taught him how to sew which helped him grow an appreciation for well-tailored clothing. After graduating from High School of Art and Design Smith went on to apply to fashion schools like Parsons and FIT. After being dined he decided to create an LLC known as “LaQuan Smith 3D leggings”. While many students were graduating from fashion schools and putting together graduation shows Smith was making his New York Fashion Week debut at the age of 21. Smith’s namesake brand officially launched in 2013 and was met with amazing feedback. Now his clientele list includes Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. He even made Forbes’s 30 under 3o List in 2015. In an interview with Fashionista Smith stated that a part of getting yourself out there in the fashion industry is networking and showcasing your work. Wearing your own clothes and your own stuff helps you showcase who you are as a designer, because you are your own brand. 

Sources:

Bobila, M. (2018, September 11). How LaQuan Smith Launched His Brand and Built a Loyal Following Without Going to Fashion School. Fashionista. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://fashionista.com/2018/09/laquan-smith-fashion-designer-career

LaQuan Smith. (n.d.). LaQuan’s Story. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://laquansmith.com/pages/laquans-story