LaQuan Smith Channels Bond Girls
LaQuan Smith's Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear show at Chelsea Industrial drew a star-studded front row including Maura Higgins, with dramatic silhouettes and high-gloss fabrics channeling "Bond girls" energy. Smith expressed playful frustration at not being able to use real fur, highlighting the industry's ongoing shift towards ethical materials.
- Irish reality star Maura Higgins has previously worn LaQuan Smith designs while promoting the US version of the show *The Traitors*, and for the Fall 2026 show, she wore a bold cobalt blue two-piece with an oversized faux fur coat. - The collection, which was presented on Valentine's Day, heavily featured black leather, lace, and sheer fabrics. Specific looks included moto-style mini dresses with exposed zippers, oversized trench coats, and fur-trimmed jackets and dresses. - The use of faux fur aligns with a broader industry trend that gained significant momentum from the "mob wife" aesthetic on TikTok. Major luxury houses like Gucci, Chanel, and Prada have also declared themselves fur-free in recent years. - Smith's affinity for powerful female archetypes is a consistent theme; his previous Spring/Summer 2026 collection was inspired by the video game character Lara Croft from *Tomb Raider*. - The brand has become a go-to for celebrities known for their bold and powerful style, with a client list that includes Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Vice President Kamala Harris. - The designer's aesthetic is self-described as "unapologetically sexy glamour" that celebrates the body, drawing inspiration from New York City nightlife to make women feel powerful.
