LaQuan Smith Warms Hearts At Fashion Group International 40th Awards

Fashion Group International (FGI) hosted its milestone 40th annual Night of Stars Gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in Manhattan on October 15. The star-studded affair honored changemakers and trailblazers in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and beyond. FGI’s annual celebration brought together designers, executives, celebrities, and cultural icons to recognize those who have made lasting impacts on the industry and the world at large.

Among the many luminaries walking the red carpet were fashion powerhouses Kate Hudson, Dennis Basso, Reed Krakoff, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, as well as honorary chairs Zac Posen, and Coco Rocha. As the evening progressed, FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz took the stage to welcome the distinguished guests as they celebrated the legacy of FGI, and the forward-thinking visionaries who continue to shape the industry today. Award recipients Heidi, Marc and Dixie D’Amelio, Reed Krakoff, Fern Mallis, and Max Mara were among those who were honored that evening.

One of the evening’s most illustrious moments was the presentation of the Fashion Vanguard Award to LaQuan Smith, a rising star in American fashion. The Vanguard Award was presented by his longtime friend and business partner Jacqueline Cooper with a heartfelt speech full of emotion depicting the shared history of the two Queens, NY natives.

One of the evening’s most illustrious was the presentation of the Fashion Vanguard Award to LaQuan Smith, a rising star in American fashion and recent collaborator with LOUIS XIII Cognac for THE DROP Collection Box, which contains five vibrantly colored 10ml bottles, reflecting his luxurious and bold aesthetic. Presented by his close friend and business partner Jacqueline Cooper, the emotional ceremony was a testament to their long-standing relationship and shared roots in Queens, NY.

“It’s crazy how full circle everything has come,” Jacqueline Cooper said in her introduction. She read, “He has accomplished everything he set out to do while staying true to himself, remaining organic, and holding on to his love for New York City—this vibrancy that we don’t see too often these days. It is truly my honor, and I am so happy and proud, to present this Van Horn Award to LaQuan Smith, my best friend.”

LaQuan Smith, in accepting the award, spoke about the challenges and triumphs of his journey as a young designer and entrepreneur. “It’s slightly intimidating for me, because ‘Vanguard’ just sounds so important,” Smith shared candidly.

“As a young designer and entrepreneur, growing my business has been extremely challenging, as I think you all know. Fashion can be incredibly difficult, and I’ve learned that it’s crucial for me to believe in myself.”

Reflecting on his upbringing in Queens, New York, Smith added, “Growing up as a young boy in St. Albans, Queens, designing dresses in my grandmother’s basement, I’ve certainly come a long way. I’m sure many of you have heard stories about how my grandmother gave me a Singer sewing machine at age 13 and taught me how to sew. But what you may not know is that she and my grandmother never wavered in their support of me. My grandmother passed away last year, and it’s been incredibly hard—and still is.”

Smith’s emotional tribute to his late grandmother continued with a lesson that has stayed with him, stating, “One of the things he always said to me was, ‘Keep a small prayer on your heart.’” The bond between Smith and Jacqueline Cooper was evident throughout the night, with Smith crediting Cooper for helping him stay grounded throughout his career.

“My best friend. She’s so much more. I’ve never had anyone who fights harder for me than Cooper. We fight like cats and dogs sometimes—it can get pretty bad,” he joked, before revealing how pivotal Cooper has been. “She’s always there for me, telling me, ‘LaQuan, today is a new day, no matter how hard it gets.’ She always seems to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

From meeting at nightclubs in New York City, as Cooper describes it, their partnership began 15 years ago. “One night, she brought me home in front of my grandparents’ house, and we sat in her car, talking. I poured my heart and soul out to her about my dreams and aspirations, about how I wanted LaQuan Smith to represent the new American sexy, the new American luxury.”

“I wanted to dress women all around the world who appreciated unapologetic New York glamor and weren’t afraid to be the center of attention. Because wearing LaQuan Smith is truly a celebration,” Smith said at the award podium with a sense of great pride.

“And she looked at me and said three words: ‘Let’s do it.’ And she’s been the lithium in my battery ever since. I love you, thank you,” he concluded, leaving the audience moved by his journey of resilience and passion.

The FGI Night of Stars has always been about celebrating creativity, but it is also a crucial fundraiser that supports the Fashion Group Foundation. The foundation nurtures future fashion talent through scholarships, internships, and career counseling. The 40th annual gala was a testament to its legacy and the continued drive to uplift the next generation of leaders in fashion and beyond.