“Woman, what? In fact!”
That is LaQuan Smith’s response when requested if he’s a fan of Laura Croft: Tomb Raider, which he cited as inspiration for his spring 2026 assortment. Season after season, Smith designs for the boldest, most daring girls amongst us, and on this vary, “she’s commanding a world that she already owns, and it feels harmful and horny,” he mentioned.
The primary design Smith developed for the gathering was a mock-neck column robe made totally from wooden and turquoise beads. Riffs on that embroidery—all hand achieved in India—have been made right into a mini skirt, a tubed halter prime, and a plunging-V entrance mini costume. “I actually needed to faucet into the dichotomy and steadiness of issues which might be actually smooth and actually exhausting, so I then utilized chiffons, organzas, and fake suedes,” Smith mentioned of how the gathering continued to return collectively.
Styled by Patti Wilson, Smith’s black leather-based pants—with laces working up the entrance, aspect, and again of the legs—have been paired with an identical jacket. A flowy, crinkled chiffon costume in bubble gum pink in the meantime, was punctuated with a crocodile belt. Smith was smart to reimagine his outsized boyfriend shirt in snakeskin-printed sparkle organza; along with a netted, basketweave leather-based costume it was among the many most memorable items.
Seems that solely see the sunshine of day when leaving the membership are LaQuan Smith’s M.O. However this season, sheer bodysuits have been proven alongside cigarette pants, culottes, and a blazer, all in a pale pinstripe. “It feels extra relatable than anything I’ve achieved earlier than,” he mentioned of the office-ready alternatives. Nonetheless, don’t anticipate greater than a smattering of daytime practicality transferring ahead, no matter what’s happening exterior of Smith’s Lengthy Island Metropolis atelier.
“I’m merely simply not permitting myself to be affected by the adjustments of the world,” he mentioned. “I’m doubling down on making improbable, lovely items for girls who wish to stand out.”
