Designer Spotlight: LaQuan Smith

In the past year, LaQuan Smith has created custom pieces for the likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna, but he's been making clothes since he got a sewing machine for Christmas when he was 13.
"My friends were all getting PlayStations and I wanted a machine and fabric," says Smith, adding, "I don't think I chose fashion, fashion chose me."
After graduating high school and being rejected by FIT twice, Smith decided to forgo college to try to break into the fashion world. He got his foot in the door scoring an internship with BlackBook magazine, working for fashion editor Elizabeth Sulcer
Smith works out of his 150-square-foot bedroom, which doubles as his studio. There is barely enough space to unfold his futon, but since he estimates he spends around 19 hours a day working, he has little need for a bed.
Though Smith has limited funding (his grandfather calls him the "brokest celebrity" he's ever seen), Mills' PR agency, Fashion Art Gallery, is producing the show, and buzz about the fashion phenom has secured major sponsors like Cesare Paciotti.
Smith's collection, which consists of 20 looks, is a mix of voluminous Balenciaga-inspired tops, neoprene dresses and ruffled denim jackets. "I look back to when I graduated from high school and I'm like, dag, I never thought all of this would happen," he says. "I always dreamt it, but it feels unreal sometimes." i love his stuff, its very inovative and different!!!!