On the night of Valentine’s Day, at New York’s Chelsea Industrial, LaQuan Smith’s ultra-luxe FW26 runway show commenced. Upon entering the venue, a rich red carpet and red flowers adorned the space for models to showcase the collection. Sensual designs began to grace the runway. Themes of black, leather, lace, and sheer were the through line of this show.
Models in full leather outfits with exposed silver zippers were showcased in the form of a long-sleeve, moto-style mini dress, a cropped asymmetrical zip jacket with wide-leg pants, an oversized trench coat, and another mini dress with bold shoulder pads. An air of old Hollywood filled the space in contrast to the red carpet, with the occasional designs of jewel toned, satin shirts in green, yellow, and burgundy hues.
Notably, accessories were minimal as each look was a statement, but some eye-catching accessories were their small and large leather clutch bags in a few model’s hands, leather scarves as a hair accessory, and other playful hats.
The texture of fur came into play with a tan fur-trim jacket, and even a fur-trim dress that was reminiscent of 1960s mod style, and a classic black fur coat. Exaggerated sleeves, lace jumpsuits, high leg slits, and teeny tiny tops all displayed a calling for sensuality in the fall. Even models who were fully covered still exuded a sexy energy in their walks. Smith’s marrying of all these elements throughout his show were in perfect balance. The romance of it all reminds us that, with the right textures and silhouettes, every day can be Valentine’s Day.
