Redefining Power: LaQuan Smith's Sophisticated Woman Takes Over Wall Street

The fashion world is buzzing as LaQuan Smith unveils a distinctive new power woman on Wall Street. Smith has a penchant for using classic New York landmarks as backdrops for his extravagant fashion shows having previously chosen places like the Empire State Building and the Rainbow Room. For his Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the fashion mogul has taken things a notch higher, choosing an equally iconic location, the Great Hall, or as it's also known, Cipriani Broadway. This Italian neo-renaissance building, finished in 1921, and created by Benjamin Wistar Morris was an apt setting in the vicinity of America's financial hub, Wall Street.

In a post-show chat with FashionNetwork.com, Smith shared his vision and inspiration behind the collection. He was inspired by the concept of sartorial western American dress-code typical of the late 80s and 90s. LaQuan visualized his designs on Wall Street power women, teetering between bold, daring looks and daytime wear.

The opening look was a testament to this vision - a high gloss, caramel colored, thigh-high split trouser-style skirt, complemented with a matching shirt, modeled after a classic men's button-down shirt. And the soundtrack, featuring hits like 'For the Love of Money', 'Hey Big Spender', 'Pusherman' and 'She's a Lady', wasn't incidental either. It played to the rhythm of Smith's power woman.The collection however, despite Smith's famous, sharp tailoring and fits, veered towards more covered styles compared to his previous, more provocative collections.

The move towards daywear was influenced by feedback from customers who loved Smith's styles but found them unsuitable for wear before 9 PM. Smith's choice of navy pinstripes in his suiting options had a meaning. For him, the color navy symbolizes financial stability, and he wanted his suits to speak that language. His pinstripes were provocative, yet they incorporated elements of traditional menswear.

Smith holds the mastery of blending opposites in his designs. His collection featured a highly sheeny latex stretch fabric that gave an impeccable finish to the runway. A standout piece was a black, body-hugging dress, business at the front and party at the back. Critical acclaim came from fashion gurus like Giuseppe Zanotti, who collaborated on shoes for this collection and suggested that Smith's designs had a modern Gianfranco Ferré vibe.

The luxurious feel was further amplified by the use of materials like silk charmeuse, gabardine wools, rich suedes, furs, and gold sparkle fabric. Smith strongly believes in creating designs that flatter the female form whilst keeping them timeless. He professed, 'There are a lot of dramatic silhouettes that feel timeless and still look good in ten years.' With such a compelling collection, it's clear that Smith will continue to thrill the fashion world with his sassy and chic designs for years to come.