As an impending snowstorm hit New York City late Monday night, security guards at the Box filtered out a steady stream of musicians, models and internet celebrities wearing fur coats (or no coats at all) for designer LaQuan Smith's after-party.
Known for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, great looks, and spectacle at every turn, this blowout is a coveted invitation. This follows Smith's fall 2024 show at Cipriani earlier in the evening, which featured fur bags, flowing sheer and satin silhouettes. (To conclude the presentation, musician Babyface came from the front row and played the grand piano in the center of the room.)
Hundreds of guests, including rappers Busta Rhymes and Joey Badass and actors Meagan Good and Serayah McNeill, arrived at the main entrance, hidden behind a gate marked with an active driveway sign.
Inside the venue, acrobats sandwiched between chandeliers and disco balls hovered over bartenders, gracefully fulfilling a steady stream of enthusiastic drink requests. “Are you going to rent a sidecar because it’s going to snow tomorrow?” A guest called his friend across the room and said,
Models Jasmine Sanders, Alton Mason and Yvesmark Chery took to the dance floor with internet celebrity Aliyah Bah and Isan Elba, whose father is actor Idris Elba.
People chanted the lyrics to Usher's lineup of songs, and the DJ clearly referenced the recent Super Bowl halftime show. One of the performers, artist Ann-Archy, wore a vibrant Wild West look in honor of Beyoncé's recently released country-themed album of hers.
“My philosophy is a kind of nod to the ‘90s.” Mr. Smith said, explaining the concept of the fashion week party. Achieving this means “good, crazy doors,” a “great” playlist and a never-ending flow of drinks, he said. Dinner guests were also given Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars. This was one of many sponsored freebies that disappeared by the end of the night.
He can't count how many fashion week parties he's hosted, but he said the nightlife, particularly the style of the women in Soho and the downtown scene in general, have been a point of inspiration for him as a designer.
“Back then, I would sneak into clubs and fashion week parties in the meatpacking district.” Mr. Smith said.
Those who stayed until the early morning hours kept things lively by dancing and singing amid a light hailstorm.