Drawing inspiration from Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Sally LaPointe’s Fall 2012 collection evoked a sense of progression and transformation via a runway show at Center 548. The lights were dim, the décor was grittily industrial, and fog machines were on full blast as the models took to the runway, accompanied by a discordant array of sounds. Far from resembling the oversized insects of Kafka’s oeuvre, the looks that emerged were studies in casual simplicity: lambskin and pony hide tees, silk jersey bodysuits, silk cashmere knits, wool coats, and even a backless, long-sleeved gold jersey dress. The monochromatic looks segued from ivory and silver to oatmeal and taupe to navy, gold, maroon, and brown. The solitary print of the collection blended many of the aforementioned hues together in both a jacket and a chiffon dress.
Considering that LaPointe has garnered a considerable amount of attention through her sharply angled, futuristic designs worn by the likes of Lady GaGa, these looks proved to be incredibly wearable. Although restrained, the clothing maintained LaPointe’s personality and point of view, as seen in a navy jacket that had extra fabric zippered at the hips, creating a peplum, as well as draped pants that could be likened to anatomically correct harem pants. As the smoke cleared, the music became softer, and the collection’s metamorphosis occurred: down the runway came looks less suited to women’s wardrobes than they are to red carpet affairs. The show closed with the architectural showpieces that have become LaPointe’s hallmark: daring black dresses featuring bare shoulders and latticework sleeves and a black lace cape dress that was at once voluminous, flowing, and airily exposed.