Many people tend to separate their dreams from their reality instead of making their dream a reality. LaQuan Smith is not one of these people. This 22-year-old rising fashion phenomenon is making leaps and bounds in the fashion industry. According to NY Daily News, Smith went from sneaking into fashion shows to showing his own runway collection in a blink of an eye.
LaQuan Smith learned to sew from his grandmother and at age 13 she passed on her old Singer sewing machine. He began with simple patterns but much like any great designer, he started to develop his own techniques on creating garments. After a traumatic and difficult battle with cancer Smith applied to both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. Unfortunately, or fortunately, he was denied at both institutions. But this bump in the road wouldn't stop this fashion enthusiast.
In 2007, Smith began working as an intern at Blackbook Magazine, a prominent arts and culture publication. Smith worked for fashion editor Elizabeth Sulcer. But much like any good intern, he sought to further his success in the industry. NY Daily News quoted Smith as confessing, “It was so evil, but I used to check her mail and go to events as her.” Not only that but he definitely made his presence known at these events by being decked out in his own designs and people quickly began to take notice. How could they not?
It was through the fashion network of fashion publicist Kelly Mills that Smith’s clothes started ending up on pop stars. After that, the talent in his wonderfully crafted garments carried Smith to his current level of success in the fashion industry. Bleu Magazine recognized Smith as number two on their Top 10 Emerging Designers list, his designs have been showcased nationally as well as internationally and he has even created a diffusion line for the everyday women entitled ”LQS.”
Smith also received the F.O.C.U.S. for Life Service Award for surviving cancer and not letting the trauma of such an experience hold him back. The designer’s celebrity clientele include the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Cassie, Alicia Keys and so many more.
LaQuan Smith has come a long way from the days of sneaking into fashion events, and his saga continues. Who knows what is next for the young designer but as Smith has proven more than once, the sky is the limit and nothing will hold him from reaching his goals.
So for all you out there in the land of dreams, take the story of LaQuan Smith as inspiration for you to make your dreams your reality. Life is what you make it and I don’t know about you, but I intend on making mine fabulous!
Pierr Kuame Murphy
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