The designer officially introduced menswear on the Fall 2023 runway.
The last time (and the very first time) LaQuan Smith wore LaQuan Smith was at the CFDA Awards in November, where he was nominated for American Designer of the Year. That flared set, along with Lenny Kravitz‘s custom cutout suit worn for the same occasion, were the only iterations of menswear we’d seen from the designer — until now.
For Fall 2023, LaQuan Smith revealed a new direction for the brand. Set at the Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center, the show began with Frida Aasen appearing overhead on a platform (Rihanna-at-the-Super-Bowl-style) in mini blazer dress and a large leather briefcase. The 36 looks that followed were a full display of ’80s Hollywood glamour, loaded with sexiness and edginess.
“This season, the collection is inspired by evening suiting and retro elegance; sexy sophisticated grandeur with a touch of nostalgia,” said Smith in a press statement.
Models descended the silver staircase to jazz music, with dramatic stage lighting dancing across the floor. The designs matched the theatricality of the setting — from a black sheer dress with a plunging neckline and mesh cutout to a dazzling faux-fur coat layered over a slinky rhinestone leotard.
Photo: Imaxtree
Smith’s foray into menswear is similarly glamorous, with cropped double-breasted jackets and dramatic white-fur-trimmed coats. Tailored suits with sharp, clean lines and cutouts retain Smith’s signature identity and sense of edge.
Photo: Imaxtree
The show wrapped with Smith himself wearing the final look: a black mesh floral turtleneck and a pair of stiff black trousers.
It’s worth noting that, for Fall 2023, Smith makes a noticeable departure from a bright color palette, instead incorporating warmer, richer neutrals and tones, evoking bodily sensations of warmth and comfort.
Ahead, see every look from LaQuan Smith Fall 2023.
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
LaQuan Smith Fall 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
This post includes reporting by India Roby.
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Source: Fashionista.com