Sally LaPointe F/W16

Being able to witness dozens of shows in the past four seasons of New York Fashion Week, I always find at least a handful of looks in each collection that don’t really speak to me. And then came Sally LaPointe FW16.

Inspired by the idea of spring cleaning, FW16 was meant to represent a streamlining and stripping away. While I’m not sure I catch the connection thanks to the innumerable rich intricacies in each look, I assume it means a return to her minimal luxury roots.

The collection opened with LaPointe’s signature knits in winter white. Cozy pullovers – some trimmed in fox fur, another flanked by a wool cocoon coat – made for a strong start. As the collection drew darker in palette it was the small details that shined. A turnlock pattern, chain mail sleeves, orange and purple fur – she kept me guessing and with great effect. Juxtaposed color palettes, textures and silhouettes all danced before me in variation from their counterparts but it was anything from disconnected. Pleated skirts made of flowing vinyl? Cargo wrap jackets in crushed velvet? How was any of this possible? Entranced and exhilarated, my mind had to play catch up with my eyes. It all completely worked.

This element of surprise is perhaps LaPointe’s biggest strength. She’s a master of the unexpected. What appears to be an ivory column dress is actually a bustier paired with wide leg Georgette pants. Her show stopping blue v-neck cocktail dress doesn’t contain any cutouts, but rather a second piece – an elaborate bandeau bustier. These unexpected touches delight the eye as well as the mind, separating LaPointe from her counterparts.