Sally Lapointe – Pre Spring/Summer 2016 Ready-To-Wear

Color isn’t something you typically find a lot of in Sally LaPointe’s collections, so an entire rack of pool-blue sequins felt like a genuine surprise at her Resort preview. Luxe minimalism has long been her MO, but she knows when to let loose and have a little fun. “I just love the color,” said LaPointe. “And when I like something, I really go for it.” Sewn flat onto trousers, high-neck gowns, and slouchy dresses, the sequins had a softer gleam than the ones you’re used to seeing.

LaPointe described her new message as “subdued power,” and head-to-toe shine certainly isn’t for wallflowers. But even her neutral, more minimal propositions felt bold in a quiet way, such as a floor-length, side-slit tunic over slim pants. She also played with leopard—historically a symbol of power and influence—and blew it up into an abstract print on whisper-thin gauze. The effect was a bit hazy when she combined four layers of the sheer fabric on a maxi skirt. Elsewhere, she put twists on classic pieces, like a white leather vest (sans flashy hardware) and a densely beaded T-shirt. But the real news here was all her tunics; intended as a new take on eveningwear, they would be just as chic—yet arguably cooler—than any cocktail dress out there.