BEAUTY
The Show Starts Backstage - LaQuan Smith FW26 NYFW, Powered by TYMO
By Emma Brooks
Updated 5 PM EST Feb 27, 2026
The lights dim, the bass drops, and the front row holds its breath. But before the first silhouette hits the runway at LaQuan Smith’s FW26 show, a different kind of symphony is playing backstage. It’s the sound of high-speed brushless motors, the rhythmic click of styling clips, and the focused energy of a team creating magic under pressure.
This is a look back at NYFW LII, where the show didn't just happen on the catwalk—it began at the styling station. This is the story of fashion meeting function: LaQuan Smith, powered backstage by TYMO.
From Prep to Runway: The Kinetic Energy of NYFW
Watching the backstage footage, the energy is palpable. Evanie Frausto, the visionary hair director, moves with a precision that mirrors LaQuan Smith’s sharp tailoring. In the raw video clips, you see the real-time transformation: hair shifting from natural textures to high-gloss, runway-ready masterpieces in a matter of minutes.
The LaQuan Smith FW26 woman is a "Modern Amazon"—strong, sexy, and unapologetic. To match this, the hair needed to be more than just a finishing touch; it had to be a statement. Using the TYMO AIRHYPE, stylists harnessed high-velocity airflow to achieve that "expensive-looking" glass hair finish. The video captures the way the light catches every strand—a testament to the ionic technology that seals the cuticle for that signature runway glow.
A Look Back at LII: Precision in Every Frame
The video highlights from NYFW LII capture the "TYMO touch" in motion. You see the TYMO RING gliding through textures, instantly smoothing them into sleek, snatched ponytails that sway rhythmically with every step on the catwalk. There’s a specific shot of the TYMO CURLPRO PLUS creating curls that don't just sit there—they bounce with structural integrity.
This collaboration isn't just about putting tools in hands; it’s about the synergy between fabric and follicle. As the models move in Smith’s signature sheer fabrics and structured leathers, their hair moves with a fluid, metallic shine. #HairMatters because it completes the narrative of the clothes, and as the video shows, TYMO ensures that narrative is flawless.
"The energy backstage is a race against the clock," says hair expert Stephanie Cam. "We need tools that don't just work, but outperform. With TYMO, we’re engineering confidence. You can see it in the way the hair moves—it’s resilient, it’s shiny, and it’s perfectly on-brand."
"Every Curl Matters": Why TYMO is the Backstage Hero
One of the most viral moments from the backstage coverage was the creation of the "Sculpted Power Wave." Unlike traditional curls that can look stiff or dry, the #CurlsTYMO seen at LaQuan Smith were architectural yet full of life.
In a setting where every flyaway is magnified by 4K cameras and frantic flashbulbs, there is zero room for error. TYMO’s innovative tools allow stylists to lock in moisture while setting the shape. The video shows the final "cue"—that moment the model steps from the shadows into the spotlight, and her curls hit the light with zero frizz.
Bring the Runway Magic Home
The "LaQuan Look" is no longer a backstage secret. Whether you’re prepping for a gala, a high-profile meeting, or your own daily "runway," you can harness the same technology that powered NYFW.
The fusion of LaQuan Smith’s bold designs and TYMO’s styling prowess has redefined what "glam" looks like in 2026. It’s efficient, it’s technological, and as the backstage footage proves, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The show starts backstage, but the style is yours to keep.
Be Part of the Glamour
Did you catch the LaQuan Smith FW26 highlights? What was your favorite look from the runway? Explore TYMO's top-rated products and find the perfect match for your hair goals now!