It’s not every day that one of LaQuan Smith’s hyper-sexy designs end up in the closets of us regular folk. After all, Smith, the Queens-based designer who launched his eponymous label in 2010 right out of his grandmother’s basement, counts Hollywood royalty like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Cardi B, and Beyoncé (to name a few) as his clients.
The gold metallic bodysuit from Rihanna’s 'Rude Boy' music video? That was LaQuan Smith. Or perhaps you remember when Beyonce donned a black and silver form-fitting mini dress to surprise Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at the 2017 Sports Illustrated Awards? Also, LaQuan Smtih. He even designed a dazzling costume for Bey’s On The Run Tour II. But still, if you haven’t heard of LaQuan Smith you’re about to, with the launch of the ASOS Design x LaQuan Smith range, the UK retailer’s biggest collaboration to date.
'The collection was inspired by capturing different experiences and moods of night life,' Smith tells ELLE. It is decidedly not for the faint of heart. Says Smith, it’s 'strictly for the fun, bold, and sexy men and women who are not afraid of standing out. The collection couldn’t have happened at a better time because this is the perfect moment to celebrate curves, diversity, and inclusivity.'
Echoing the same luxe and ultra-femme aesthetic of his namesake collection, Smith maintained his design approach even bringing back a few familiar designs and silhouettes like his signature sweetheart neckline. The collection also includes camo joggers, faux-fur off-the-shoulder tops and coats, and leopard two-piece sets that can easily translate from day to night. Chain bracelets and necklaces, leopard boots, and an embellished durag round out the collection. Smith also recreated Beyonce’s custom black and silver bodycon dress, so we, too, can be twinsies with the queen. If the dress isn’t really your style, there are t-shirts and bodysuits that come in the same pattern.
To whet your beak, here are eight of our favourites from the collection.
