The first Monday in May descended upon New York earlier this week, bringing a torrential downpour along with the usual storm of high-octane glamour. From illustrious industry insiders to thousands of couchside critics spectating from the comfort of their homes, everyone had only one thing on their minds: fashion’s biggest night. With bated breath, the world waited to see who would surprise, who would disappoint, and who would delight with the transformative power of sartorial sorcery.
Designer LaQuan Smith landed squarely into the latter category, as anyone who’s followed his galvanizing career knew he would. Ushered away from the gilded doors of the Park Lane Hotel in the sleek BMW iX, Smith is still reeling when we catch up with him. Not only did the native New Yorker adorn R&B royalty and storied silver-screen sirens for fashion’s most fabulous fête, but he also saw his designs showcased throughout the hallowed walls of the prestigious museum’s accompanying exhibition. Now, he’s en route to the afterparty he’s hosting at Ludlow House, because the annual style summit never has a curfew.
Surreal as the night has been, the controlled quiet of the premium SUV offers a welcome reprieve from the shouts, camera flashes, and thundering rain. A Hans Zimmer-designed ambient sound gives the moment a cinematic feel as the outside world is reduced to a hush. “These are the moments that we live for,” the couturier says, reflecting on the whirlwind day he’s had. “These are the moments of glamour that we dream to be a part of.”
Smith’s glittering “afters” look throws pinpricks of light around the electric vehicle’s decadent leather interior while the iX smoothly glides through the night. “The smell of leather is really my favorite,” he notes, running a hand along the edge of his seat. The supple material is a staple of the sensual, impeccably fitted silhouettes that are synonymous with his acclaimed label. Another defining signature: ornate details like the mesmerizing glass beads that cover his dazzling top, a bespoke piece from his SS25 collection. As the womenswear virtuoso talks, the only thing competing with his shine is the crystal dial gleaming from the iX’s control panel.
These subtle parallels don’t escape his sharp designer’s eye—this journey is nothing short of kismet, which Smith credits to the confident sense of luxury he shares in common with the German carmaker. “This beautiful car I’m riding in, it lends itself to my creative process,” he explains. “When I’m working on my collections, I’m always thinking, ‘What kind of car is the LaQuan Smith woman driving? What kind of cocktail is she sipping? What kind of hotel is she staying in?’” In other words, one can’t design in a vacuum. Given the choice to indulge in elegance, the visionary always seizes the opportunity.
Fittingly, the looks he curated for the night pulled inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance, Hollywood divas, and legendary trailblazers like French performer Josephine Baker. Bringing the confluence of muses together meant honing in on the concept of control. “It’s all about having a sense of self, commanding the room, knowing exactly who you are, and being very intentional about what you're saying and doing,” he declares. An appreciation for such self-possession is reflected in who he dresses—and how he chooses to travel.
The BMW iX’s streamlined design is a culmination of the automaker’s history of making the futuristic feel familiar from the jump. It’s a given to be wowed by a thrill ride, but finding that feeling of awe in the quiet opulence of a night drive is a feat only the iX can achieve. All Smith has to do is ask the car’s virtual voice assistant to turn on Relax Mode: the lights dim, the display shows options for massages, and the seats’ heating functionality starts up. It’s almost regrettable that we’re just moments away from his exclusive event.
The preceding red-carpet rapture is already splashed across screens worldwide, but the intimate after gives Smith a chance to celebrate with his team and day-one supporters. It’s a victory lap laden with meaning in light of the day’s personal resonance. “When I think about this year’s themes, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ and dandyism, I immediately think about my heritage. I think about my grandmother who taught me how to sew at the age of 13, and her mother who taught her how to sew,” he affirms as we pull up to the venue. “It's those kinds of traditions that allow me to be standing here, front and center—not only celebrating the spirit of my ancestors, but also celebrating the future of fashion.”
It’s a sentiment worth raising a glass to. A toast: to the glamorous past, the bright future, and the triumphant present that brings the two together for one brilliant moment.
Discover BMW’s fully electric iX here.
