On April 17, 2023, Justice Smith redefined red carpet romance at the opening of Queer Icons: Then & Now, a landmark fashion exhibit in Los Angeles celebrating queer expression across generations. Wearing a custom ensemble by Palomo Spain, the actor delivered a visually stunning and emotionally resonant fashion moment that seamlessly blended historical elegance with modern gender-fluid style.
The outfit was a poetic homage to 18th-century opulence with a contemporary twist. At its core was a pearl-embellished brocade waistcoat—richly textured and meticulously crafted, evoking the grandeur of European court fashion. The waistcoat’s intricate embroidery and luminous pearls brought a sense of regality, grounding the look in tradition while celebrating queer reinterpretation of aristocratic dress codes. Beneath the vest, Smith wore a sheer, diaphanous blouse with exaggerated ruffled cuffs, its transparency adding softness and sensuality to the ensemble.
Balancing the ornate upper layers, Smith wore soft blush flared velvet trousers, a nod to glam rock decadence and romantic silhouettes. The pastel tone and plush fabric elevated the entire outfit, giving it a fluid, expressive energy that felt both theatrical and grounded in self-assurance. The trousers’ gentle flare echoed the flowing lines of the blouse and added movement to the look—perfectly suited for an evening honoring the evolution of queer fashion and identity.
Accessorizing with intention, Smith paired the look with heeled boots that added height and drama, as well as drop earrings that caught the light with every turn. His beauty look was just as carefully composed: a soft shimmer across his cheekbones gave a glowing, dewy finish, while a wine-colored lip gloss added a dash of drama that tied the romantic aesthetic together. His styling was a masterclass in balance—ethereal yet powerful, historical yet forward-thinking.
Behind the scenes, Smith spoke with exhibit curator Chella Man, sharing how meaningful the outfit was to him on both a personal and symbolic level. “Palomo’s design made me feel both expansive and grounded,” he said. “It’s my favorite look to date.” That duality—of feeling unbound by convention while being rooted in one’s truth—was the essence of the evening and the exhibit itself. Palomo Spain, known for challenging and reshaping gender norms through fashion, proved to be the perfect creative partner for Smith’s vision of queer elegance.
The look was immediately praised by fashion critics and fans alike, who lauded it as a highlight of the night and a milestone in Smith’s fashion journey. It signaled his rising presence in queer fashion spaces—not simply as a well-dressed actor, but as a cultural figure using style to make a statement about identity, history, and joy. At a time when visibility is more important than ever, Smith’s presence and ensemble embodied the transformative power of fashion to celebrate legacy and envision new futures.
Justice Smith’s appearance at the Queer Icons: Then & Now exhibit underscored his status as one of the most exciting style voices of his generation. Through collaboration with Palomo Spain, he honored the past while unapologetically claiming space in the present—a perfect embodiment of new romanticism for the modern age. As his fashion narrative continues to evolve, Smith is proving that style can be a celebration, a conversation, and a quiet revolution all at once.