YOUNG top New York-based designer LaQuan Smith will feature at the Fiji Fashion Week (FJFW) 2012 Established Designer Fashion Show in Suva.
LaQuan, who has designed outfits for renowned singers Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and America's Top Model host Tyra Banks, will attend the event at the Vodafone Arena on October Friday 13.
The 24-year-old designer will also be the keynote speaker at the Fiji Fashion & Design Forum, to be attended by design students and members of the public on October 17.
LaQuan's success has allowed him to showcase his collection with fashion shows in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Athens, Cayman Islands, South Africa, LA, New York and more.
Through his travels, LaQuan was inspired to create a diffusion line for the everyday women he encountered at each city.
In a statement quoting an interview with LaQuan, the FJFW stated the designer was excited about visiting Fiji and looked forward to meeting designers here.
"I really wanted to be a part of Fiji Fashion week, I will be debuting my Spring 13 collection which I'm very excited about. In fact, Fiji played a big part of my inspiration," LaQuan said.
FJFW director Ellen Whippy-Knight said LaQuan agreeing to be at Fiji Fashion Week was a huge boost for the image of the event, and a big plus for the students of design.
She said FJFW had been working on securing LaQuan since 2009, and now possible with the assistance of the US Embassy in Suva.
"FJFW is committed to developing the fashion industry in Fiji and that work includes bringing international fashion successes like LaQuan to join our designers," Ms Whippy-Knight said.
"Having New York talent on the runway with our own exceptional Fiji designers can only serve to motivate and encourage our emerging designers and students of fashion and design," she said.
Fiji Fashion Week is on from October 17 to 20. Tickets are on sale at the FJFW booth at MHCC.