NYFW Spring 2011: Sally LaPointe

The last show of an amazing but busy weekend, it was one of the shows in our NYFW itinerary that I was looking forward to the most. I love supporting young designers, and Sally LaPointe is no exception. It’s her debut runway show at NYFW and the buzz and excitement surrounding her show was enormous. Thanks to our friend Tony Wang of Post.Fashionism, we got to have a look backstage before the show began and it’s a busy but surprisingly calm scene. Models are getting hair and make up done while snacking on fruit salad. Looks like it’s all about blush and straight pulled back hair with volume pumped roots.

And then I spot something curious, it’s a light box that is being tested but for what purpose I still do not know.

We scramble back downstairs and grab our seats in a full house that is chock full of anticipation and cinder blocks placed in a grid like pattern. The room goes silent and in the most dramatic show opening I’ve seen this NYFW 2 men open the doors and that light box is shining. The debut runway show of Sally LaPointe begins with mist rising and intrigue growing. The models weave around the room and cinder blocks to create a show that effectively showcases the designs from every angle.

The models no longer look human - all that is left are defiantly tall creatures that command a room with their stork-like proportions. I can only marvel at the incredible height that is only emphasized further by slim column-like silhouettes in maxi lengths, floor skimming trousers and some the most insanely over-the-top shoes I have ever seen firsthand.

In these shoes your legs will go on forever and there is nary an empty surface area to be found.

Actually these shoes were quite the contrast to the flatter textures of the collection that focuses more on clean silhouette, the fabrics themselves and the play between metallic and matte. The color palette was simple in a variety of textures and opacities of black and white, I found that I was able to focus more on the variety of shapes. Iridescent fabrications were key. Soft crinkle fabrics are molded sculptural silhouettes and the shoulder is for most part strong and squared off throughout the collection. Necklines are either focused on sculptural collars or plunging.

There are plenty of graphic abstract prints in iridescent prints that remind me of inkblots throughout the collection. I couldn’t quite figure out what any of the shapes were but I don’t mind that they were mysterious.

As quickly as the show began, the show ended with the models in mist and the doors closing. I am thoroughly impressed and I wonder how this will translate for retail. I hope that her vision doesn’t change too much as I admire her raw, unique point-of-view.

I run backstage to say hello but don’t want to interrupt when her overjoyed and very proud family make the seen and I find myself feeling like I am spying on a very intimate and personal moment for the designer. I quietly make my leave as all things wrap up and silently wish her congratulations for a dramatic, well conceived effort from Ms LaPointe. Undoubtedly one of my fave shows this NYFW, I am glad i got to witness it from A to Z.