LaQuan Smith On Style, Tech And “Evoking Out The Star Quality Within”

LaQuan Smith was in the spotlight this week for several reasons; he dressed Halle Berry in a pinstriped gown at the Met Gala, as part of the themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, hosted a pre-Met dinner with Taraj P. Henson and Babyface and recently dressed Kamala Harris in a black suit as part of her first major post-inauguration appearance.

In other words, Smith is busy. But that didn’t stop him from hosting an immersive, museum-like fashion exhibition at the Park Lane Hotel in Manhattan, which ran from May 4 to 5. The exhibition, set in the hotel’s sprawling Park Room, showcased his detailed, intricate couture, including his famed silver knit dress and his black feather dress, among several others. From the street, guests could look up and see the dresses towering over them.

In a pamphlet accompanying the exhibition, Smith writes: “To me, the modern dandy isn’t afraid to command attention with intention. It’s about elegance, but with an edge.” The garments were shown alongside diamond jewelry from Maison Spoiled.

The Park Lane Hotel also featured a cocktail inspired by Smith at their restaurant, Calvert’s, while never-before-seen archival images from past Met Galas and LaQuan’s illustrious career as a designer were seen throughout the hotel.

As a designer, Smith is accustomed to bringing out the ‘star quality’ in everyone. “I truly believe that clothing and confidence go hand in hand,” he explains. “When someone feels amazing in what they’re wearing, it unlocks a different level of energy.”

Smith adds: “For me, bringing out the star quality isn’t about transforming someone into something they’re not; it’s about revealing what’s already there and amplifying it. It’s always been my dream to make people feel like the best, most elevated version of themselves, and that’s exactly what I aim to do with every look.”

He dressed Berry in a striped, sheer dress alongside a cropped blazer last night, while he dressed Beyoncé for several appearances, from her red carpet appearance at a Taylor Swift concert, to her appearance for the Jay Z exhibition opening at the New York Public Library, among others.

“Wearing one of my pieces is meant to be an experience,” said Smith. “It’s not just about the garment; it’s about how it makes you feel. I want to create an emotional response where a look not only turns heads but also fuels a sense of motivation, power, and inspiration.”

He explains: “You don’t have to be a celebrity to wear one of my designs; the moment you put it on, you feel like that mega superstar. That’s the takeaway. It’s about evoking star quality from within.”

This year, Smith partnered with Samsung Galaxy to create his own “AI Atelier” to help assist his journey in dressing stars. The Galaxy AI Atelier is a cutting-edge, AI-powered creative studio that brings Smith’s designs to live with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

It’s a continuation with his Samsung Galaxy partnership, as he first worked with Samsung last year, designing limited-edition sleepwear pieces inspired by the tech behind the Galaxy Ring as part of his SS25 Collection at New York Fashion Week. “It was the first time I integrated Galaxy AI into the physical design of a collection, which made the collaboration incredibly meaningful,” said Smith.

Smith calls this new collaboration an ‘organic fit.’ “I’ve always been excited about the intersection of fashion and technology,” he said. “I truly believe that technology and creativity go hand-in-hand and tools like the Galaxy S25 Ultra allow me to push boundaries and find new ways to outdo myself.”

Smith used the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra throughout every step of his journey designing for the Met Gala red carpet. “From initial inspiration to the final touches, the AI Atelier became an essential part of my creative process; helping me design, innovate, and bring my visions to life,” he said.

“Whether I was sourcing fabrics, organizing fittings, or sketching out ideas, I relied on tools like Now Brief, Sketch to Image, Gallery Search, and Audio Eraser. These features allowed me to work with precision, stay organized and inspired.”

As a fashion designer, dressing the stars for the red carpet is no easy feat. It’s an individualized approach.

“My approach to dressing stars for the red carpet is rooted in collaboration, intention, and a deep respect for individuality,” said Smith. “Whether it’s the Met Gala or another major moment, I begin by centering my brand’s core values: confidence, fierceness, sophistication, and an unapologetic embrace of sensuality. My goal is always to create a synergy between the client’s personal essence and the vision of the event, designing a look that makes them feel powerful, seen, and fully themselves.”

Following the Met Gala, Smith and Samsung hosted an exclusive Met Gala House Party, an afterparty at Ludlow House. The event was attended by Keke Palmer, Racquel Dees, Kwasipaul Official and Daphne Velghe, among others.

The event featured interactive experiences and live content creation stations, showing party guests how Galaxy AI helps reshape the boundaries of style, self-expression, and creative technology.

“Every client brings their own vibe and personality, and my process is deeply collaborative,” said Smith. “Styling should never feel imposed; it’s about discovering what makes someone feel confident, sexy, and truly themselves. I consider what they stand for, what resonates with them culturally and emotionally, and how they want to be seen.”

Smith adds: “That’s where the magic happens; when their values align with mine, and we create a look that’s more than just fashion. It’s a moment in time.”