As many designers have proven in the past, a sense of the theatrical can accomplish more than just a sighting on the stage or red carpet. Indeed, in the right circumstances it can produce garments that inspire the imagination and compel others to push their creative boundaries. One need look no further than the work and influences of Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, or Elsa Schiaparelli for example.
Joining these ranks is Sally Lapointe, whose Spring 2011 collection – her first experience with runway – included a full-length black gown worn by none other than the woman who seems, daily, to redefine the very concept of theatricality: Lady Gaga. Lapointe’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection continued in the vein of the slightly futuristic, with liquid-like digital prints, metallic turquoise fabric, pointy shoulders and padded hips. One of the standout pieces was a floor-length, vermillion-red dress with pronounced leather-capped shoulders and fitted bodice.
Another noteworthy aspect of the show was its color blocking: models appeared on the runway in uniformly white ensembles, then red, blue and black, respectively. For this collection, Lapointe drew her inspiration from the photographic process, which explained the filter-like usage of color. Backstage, amid a plethora of gum-chewing models and black-clad dressers, Lapointe elaborated on her influences, and divulged her favorite color. — Text by Eugenie Dalland. Video by Elizabeth Perrin. Interview after the jump.
What were the origins of this collection?
The inspiration was photographic processing, the idea of something latent coming into visibility. It actually came about when I was looking at my favorite photographer, Lillian Bassman, and came across this story. She decided to discard her life’s work of forty years of negatives and film in the Seventies, and literally put them in a garbage bag, and took them to the coal room in this carriage house in the Upper East Side. I think twenty years later they were found and developed, so it’s the idea of something that was kind of always but later came out. That’s what sparked the whole photographic processing thing.
I know materials are often important in the collection. What did you use for this collection?
SL: There’s a lot of leather and a lot of silk. I actually used fur this time in a few of the pieces … boiled wool, and a lot of jersey. I guess it’s a mix.
What does the future hold?
I don’t know. I feel really lucky that you can almost reinvent yourself every six months. I’ve already started working on Spring 2012, so it’s just another season I guess. I don’t know what next season brings but there’s a lot more buzz and excitement around this show than the first, obviously. I’m really excited.
Favorite color?
Ha – black.
