LaQuan Smith Fall Winter 2026 Brings Precision, Power, and High Shine to NYFW
New York Fashion Week delivered its signature mix of glamour and edge on February 14, 2026, as LaQuan Smith unveiled his Fall Winter 2026 collection in Manhattan. Known for his unapologetic sensuality and razor sharp tailoring, Smith leaned fully into the codes that define his brand this season: structured silhouettes, commanding confidence, and a modern take on classic seduction.
The collection drew inspiration from a contemporary James Bond girl. Think sculpted shoulders, sharp suiting, and silhouettes that celebrate strength and femininity in equal measure. It was powerful dressing with intention, where precision tailoring met undeniable allure.
The beauty direction mirrored that same energy. Lead manicurist Gina Edwards elevated a timeless staple, opting for a classic French manicure finished with a high shine chrome effect. The look felt clean yet bold, echoing the structured lines seen throughout the collection.
“You can’t go wrong with a classic French elevated with a high shine chrome finish that’s continuing to trend,” Edwards shared. “The stiletto shape of the nails echoes the precision and structure seen throughout the collection.”
Models wore sharply sculpted stiletto nails, reinforcing the sleek, architectural tone of the runway. The manicure was both refined and statement making, a subtle but impactful detail that completed the overall aesthetic.
For those inspired to recreate the look at home, the design was achieved using KISS Core Collection nails in the shade Fascinating. The press on nails were customized into a sharp stiletto shape and applied with nail glue for a seamless finish. For a deeper, moodier variation, a dark silver chrome powder was layered over the classic white French tip to achieve that high gloss runway sheen.
KISS continues to lead in salon quality, accessible beauty, offering easy to use options that make high fashion trends attainable beyond the runway. With additional styles in its Glam collection, including Fairytale, One and Only, and Simple Joys, the brand provides multiple ways to experiment with French and chrome variations in different shapes and lengths.
At LaQuan Smith, every detail is deliberate. From structured tailoring to high shine chrome nails, Fall Winter 2026 proved once again that power dressing is not just about the clothes. It is about the attitude that comes with them.
Photography: Ben Hider