LaQuan Smith

Photo Courtesy Of LaQuan Smith 

Tell us about yourself and your background

I am LaQuan Smith, I am 22 years old, born on August 30th, 1988 in Queens, NY. I learned to sew from my grandmother and I started with basic patterns until I started to explore doing things on my own and developed my own techniques on creating garments. I was diagnosed with cancer and am proud to be a cancer free and a survivor. I graduated from high school in 2007 and started interning at Blackbook Magazine, from there I decided I wanted to start my own line. After two successful New York Fashion Week Shows and constant traveling to other countries like South Africa, France, and more I just feel blessed and thankful to be able to showcase my collection and personal vision of fashion and design.

When did you know that you wanted to become a designer?

I have always had a love for fashion, art, and design. I started sewing when I was 13, I got a lot of my drive to become a designer from my grandmother who was the main person in my family who helped me develop and fine tone my craft.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by tons of things: art, cultures, photography, people in the streets and in my personal life, books, other designers, fabric. I feel a connection to art and culture that allows me to reinterpret them into my designs.

You stated during panel discussion with André Leon Talley that you have no formal training within fashion design. Yet, you are able to create complex pattern-designs. Where and how did you obtain this skill?

I learned by the classic method of trial and error. I began sewing at a young age and noticed that certain things worked and some that didn't work. I started buying clothes I like and slowly dissected and deconstructed them. I began to imitate the overall construction while manipulating the stitches, patterns, and forms in my own way.

How instrumental has Talley been in your shaping your interest in the fashion world?

Within the fashion community my major supporter and the most influential person is Mr. Andre Leon Talley. Andre has embraced my world and has allowed me to dream further than I have ever before. He has given me expert advise, personal opinions, and true mentoring and friendship. 

You have created outfits for both Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Lady Gaga, how did these collaborations come about?

These collaborations came about through a few ways, my press agent and manager, Ms Kelly Mills of the Fashion Art Gallery connected me with these ladies and I have created relationships with team members from the individual artists.

How did the project "Marie Antoinette" come about?

I was inspired by my recent travels to Paris. The women were "Très Chic". I was able to check out the Palais Royal, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. These monuments made me contemplate the past and the historical background of the French people which lead to me to the final family of the French Monarchy. 

What was it like to work with Serena Williams?

Serena is overall a sweet person. Andre Leon Talley introduced us and she was so down to earth, kind, intelligent, and an very elegant woman. Serena is wonderfully delightful person to be around with tons of positive energy and I loved spending the little time we had together discussing our goals for the future. 

You made a last minute alteration on her dress right before the show, what was the detail that obstructed your vision?

I wasn't altering the dress completely; I just had some refinement to the dress' hem line and bodice. No major overhaul was done but, the bodice and hems needed to be impeccable for my guests, my clientele, and myself. My vision was to make her this over the top Queen inspired gown with phenomenal detail, gaudiness, and elegance. 

Did you feel pressured knowing that living legends such as Diane von Furstenberg was among your audience members?

Of course, if don't feel the pressure you aren't living in the moment. I am able to consider Diane and Andre friends and mentors in fashion and life. I appreciated them both taking the time to spend it with me and support my S/S 2011 Collection. 

Who are your favourite designers and your favourite part of fashion?

I love Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, and Karl Lagerfeld. I feel most touched by Cristobal Balenciaga's work and the whole house of Balenciaga's design aesthetic. My favorite part of fashion is the overall experience of being able to fantasize alongside the Creative Director of each brand, every season. Fashion is always changing, always evolving, and always collaborating with different genres, cultures, and ideologies. 

What advice can you, from your own experience, offer people aspiring for a career in the fashion industry?

My advice for people wanting to come into the fashion industry would have to be three things: Always create the best possible product, quality is key. Go out and keep going out to meet people in the industry, networking is mandatory. Create a great support team, people you can trust and always have your best interests. 

What is your Philosophy of Life and where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?

My Philosophy, in general, is to take every moment and experience and make the best of it, why waste time on things you do not enjoy or love? There are a few things I am striving to accomplish for both myself and LaQuan Smith, LLC. In the near future, I would like a successful show my Spring/Summer 2011 Collection during two upcoming fashion weeks in Athens, Greece and the Cayman Islands. I am also excited to launch my diffusion line entitled LQS. LQS is a more affordable line that will be available online by late January to Early February 2011. For the rest of my career, I would like to establish my brand as one of the top international designer labels alongside Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and my mentor, Mrs. Diane von Furstenberg. I envision setting a new, fresh tone for women's apparel and carving a niche for my clothes, my designs, and my consumer in the international market.