Sally LaPointe’s Fall 2013 collection was moody, dark, and brilliant. At first, I was a bit frightened by the giant red fluorescent lights staggered across the runway and the Depeche Mode pulsating from the speakers, because I feared the show might be just another predictable all-black New York collection from an up-and-coming designer. Luckily, I was wrong. Luxe crocodile skins were brilliantly woven into flowy tops, and there were a pair of uneven crocodile boots I absolutely would kill to own.

The color palette swerved into crimson reds, which were stunningly well done, despite the unavoidable comparisons to blood-dipped fabrics.  A tight, pleated leather dress was my favorite piece and I’d be shocked if Linda Fargo didn’t place an order, as it was one of the more commercially viable pieces in the collection. I’m excited to see how Sally grows her brand and clientele – after all, you can’t get a bigger fan than Lady Gaga and a more influential buyer than Bergdorf Goodman…