Model Frida Aasen wears a cut-out little black dress from the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters
As Aasen descended with a briefcase, fashion week attendees got a close-up look at the artful tailoring of the neckline of her little black mini dress. Smith told the Associated Press that his collection was inspired by the nostalgia of the Dynasty television series and James Bond films.
A model struts the runway wearing a metallic silver two-piece ensemble from the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters

“I wanted to create a collection that really focused on tailoring menswear suits, sharp clean lines that still create a sense of edge, sophistication and sex appeal,” the 34-year-old said after the show.

A horizontal-striped bodycon dress worn by a model from the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters

One by one, models descended the staircase in his beautifully impressive designs – from the black sheer dress with a plunging neckline and black satin bottom that rose at the hips and dipped below the belly button to the dazzling dress draped with black fringe.

NYFW 2023: Tory Burch deconstructs its classic looks for autumn/winter

Inventive forms and silhouettes were presented during the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters
It was only fitting that as Smith displayed his menswear pieces, rapper and red carpet style star Lil Nas X was sitting in the front row. In a refreshing take on menswear, Smith’s latest pieces included a double-breasted men’s suit jacket that was cropped at the hips while another look featured a sheer-black button down with a neck tie under a black suit jacket.
A model wears a bedazzled cut-out bodysuit with a furry coat during the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters

Smith departed from his use of bright colours last season to incorporate warmer rich tones, from the body-hugging, velvety aubergine-coloured evening wear dress to the olive full-length bodysuit and ivory trousers paired with a sheer blouse. Smith mixed in some patterns, including a sheer chiffon polka dot dress and a form-fitting, nude-and-black striped dress.

A model wears a shiny all-black ensemble during the LaQuan Smith autumn and winter 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, US, on February 13. Photo: Reuters

“This collection is really rich in texture, and it screams luxury quality,” Smith said.

When asked what’s next for the brand, Smith said he plans on debuting his accessories line soon. At the show on February 13, models donned large heart-shaped pendants and futuristic oversized sunglasses.

The LaQuan Smith autumn/winter 2023 collection is modelled during Fashion Week at the Rainbow Room on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP

The significance of Smith’s rise to success and his latest show at the Rainbow Room was not lost on his guests.

The LaQuan Smith autumn/winter 2023 collection is modelled during Fashion Week at the Rainbow Room on February 13, in New York. Photo: Invision/AP

“I don’t think people really understand how big of a deal that they expect someone to come and have a show here because the Rainbow Room is very exclusive and that is historical in many films and parties we might have seen in the good old days,” supermodel Coco Rocha said.

8 times K-pop’s ‘sold-out stars’ reigned the fashion world, from V to Jennie

Julia Fox, Lil Nas X and Teyana Taylor attend the LaQuan Smith autumn/winter 2023 fashion show at the Rainbow Room on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP
Along with Rocha, front-row celebrities at the event included singer Teyana Taylor, actor and fashion muse Julia Fox and Ashley Biden, daughter of US president Joe Biden.
Ashley Biden attends the LaQuan Smith autumn/winter 2023 fashion show at the Rainbow Room on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP

“Fashion designers are like the vanguards of innovation, and I love his clothes,” Biden said.