Honor the life and legacy of longtime SCAD mentor and fashion icon André Leon Talley with leading cultural experts at this panel discussion, hosted by the Evans Center for African American Studies on the occasion of the exhibition André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever. Join Antoine Gregory — founder of Black Fashion Fair, artistic adviser to the exhibition, and creative director of the exhibition catalogue — in conversation with fashion designer LaQuan Smith, a mentee of Talley. The conversation is moderated by Rafael Brauer Gomes, the show’s curator and creative director of SCAD FASH museums.
Join us at the SCAD Museum of Art (601 Turner Blvd., Savannah, GA) on Thursday, January 8th at 6 PM to celebrate André Leon Talley’s lasting legacy. This event is free and open to the public.
To RSVP, email Andreia Wardlaw at awardlaw@scad.edu.
Born in Queens, New York, LaQuan Smith started his eponymous fashion brand at age 21. Smith spent his early years instructed by his grandmother, who instilled a passion and skill for sewing and pattern-making. His distinctive work sparked interest among fashion icons and risk takers including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian, all of whom were early supporters of the designer. Since its formal debut in 2013, the brand has gained acclaim for its endless archive of distinctive garments and details. Smith has cultivated an equally dynamic private order clientele that spans the globe from Lagos to London. Smith’s unapologetically glamorous aesthetic has also been tapped by world-recognized brands including Heineken, Tidal, Samsung, Microsoft, and Verizon for curated activations.
Antoine Gregory is a visionary fashion advocate, creative director, and founder of Black Fashion Fair — a platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the work of Black designers, artists, and creators. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with a background in fashion and art history, Gregory has emerged as a leading voice in fashion, championing diversity, equity, and authentic representation. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Essence, and Harper’s Bazaar, bridging fashion, art, and culture to create space and opportunities for Black creatives while reshaping an industry long resistant to inclusion. Gregory has collaborated with cultural institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art, challenging traditional notions of space within these establishments and expanding audiences. Known for his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to Black excellence, Gregory continues to push boundaries, solidifying his legacy as a transformative force in fashion.
Since 2015, Rafael Brauer Gomes has served as the creative director of SCAD FASH museums in Atlanta and Lacoste, France. Under his leadership, the museums have become global authorities in fashion, costume, and design exhibitions — renowned for innovative presentations that blend art, fashion, and culture. With a forward-thinking and educational curatorial approach, Brauer Gomes oversees every aspect of exhibition development, creating experiences that engage students, scholars, creatives, and international audiences. Since the museum’s opening, Brauer Gomes has curated more than 50 major exhibitions across SCAD’s locations in Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste — many of which have received critical acclaim, industry awards, and national tours. These exhibitions have reinforced SCAD’s leadership in fashion curation and design education. Prior to SCAD, Brauer Gomes spent more than a decade as head of archives at Vivienne Westwood, working closely with the designer. There, he gained rare insights into fashion exhibition-making and the global fashion industry, contributing to major exhibitions at institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Palace of Versailles, and MoMu in Antwerp. A polyglot with a diverse cultural background, Brauer Gomes brings a global sensibility and deep knowledge of fashion history to every project. His cross-cultural fluency and scholarly contributions continue to shape the discourse of fashion exhibition-making, positioning SCAD FASH as a leading institution for innovation and exchange.
Learn More: https:// bit.ly/45B7G3g.