“I find that when we really focus and edit down more is when it’s stronger and more successful. Tighter collections are doing really well for us,” Sally LaPointe said during a preview of her streamlined pre-fall collection inside her brand’s new downtown New York City atelier.

For a few seasons now, LaPointe has been homing in on what she’s done best over the course of the brand’s 15-year history: specialty statement occasionwear. It’s a formula that’s working well for the brand, as reflected in her strong collection.

“Now that we have our atelier, getting to know these women so much better has been so amazing because it really is a destination for us to bring in our private clients and have them experience the brand more personally,” she said, pointing out bestselling fabrications including stretch leather, here in a black and white snake print, with matching mesh top; sleek yet sexy ruched coated jersey dresses, and a strong variety of new draped tops paired with ample feathered or ultra wide-leg party pants in new shades of bright orange and soft baby blue.

She added that pre-fall was all about the idea of understated power, but designed with summer seasonality in mind through lighter fabrication and eye-catching colors. For instance, head-turning outerwear — a favorite category of the designer — came ultra lightweight in hand-painted black and white feather or ecru Lurex fringe while sequined dresses — another bestselling group — were unlined and backed on mesh to keep the styles breezy, but just as powerful and fun.