On the first Monday in May, American fashion designer LaQuan Smith ushered in the glamour of Met Gala week with an intimate, star-studded dinner hosted in collaboration with Tequila Don Julio and Sephora. Held at the exclusive Café Zaffiri inside The Twenty Two in New York City, the event celebrated not just fashion, but creativity, community, and culture.
Among the standout attendees were actress Taraji P. Henson and legendary musician and producer Babyface, who joined Smith and his inner circle for a night of elegance and elevated celebration. Guests sipped custom cocktails crafted with Tequila Don Julio and toasted with Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Champagne while enjoying a lush evening curated to honor both legacy and innovation in style.
But the night wasn’t just about A-list glamour—it was also about mentorship and pouring into the next generation. LaQuan Smith was joined by his two mentees, Fatou Diakite and Dash Harris, who will accompany him behind the scenes and throughout the weekend’s Met Gala festivities. Their inclusion marks a meaningful step in honoring the craft of fashion while investing in its future, embodying Smith’s commitment to lifting others as he climbs.
Midway through the evening, Smith delivered a heartfelt toast thanking his peers, friends, and creative collaborators for their continued support and belief in his vision. As guests departed, they received curated gifts from Black-owned beauty brands carried by Sephora, reinforcing the evening’s message of representation, luxury, and forward momentum.
This exclusive dinner wasn’t just a kickoff to fashion’s most iconic week—it was a declaration. A reminder that fashion is not only about what you wear, but about the stories you tell, the people you uplift, and the legacy you leave behind.
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