Lightning Strikes at LaQuan Smith

By Susan Romero

After seeing so many understated, yet wonderfully elegant models during Fashion Week, I felt as if a bolt of lightning struck at LaQuan Smith’s presentation. Think a modern day Marie Antoinette meets Cruella De Vil.

The inspirations behind Smith’s collection, which consists of rich metallic brocades in bold colors, are as unique as the designs. Smith was inspired by Marie Antoinette and Cruella De Vil, the fictional villain in 101 Dalmatians, as well as a personal Parisian adventure he once had. One can only imagine that adventure included women with metallic gold lips and shocking metallic eyelids, complete with textured gold nails as long as claws.

Building on Smith’s dramatic, bold collection, Napoleon Perdis transformed each model into an exotic metallic beauty. Perdis began as always by prepping the skin with Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum, followed by Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Primer. Then he applied Set Memory foundation, with Mosaic Bronzer/Color Disc in Flamingo Road on the cheeks. Loose dust Glitterati Gold was also applied on the cheeks to add to the sparkle.

The eyelids were bold in teal blue and yellow gold metallic shadow and lashes had Mesmer-Eyes mascara, amplified with faux lashes. The lips were painted gold with artistic supplies, including gold leafing. Each face was a masterpiece, set off by hair worn in a simple, soft, romantic up do style that was carefree yet elegant.

This already dramatic look was finished with the most outrageous custom designed long, curved nails. My favorite ones were painted in metallic gold with rhinestone accents.

Seeing the models, who included tennis star Serena Williams, parading in rich metallic accented brocade fabrics in regal colors such as burgundy, gold and blue, I could only imagine what Marie Antoinette would say. Magnifique!

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