Will McLeod's Ocean Inspired Fashion Presentation

Assuming he was an intern, I walked right by Will McLeod on the way to his presentation on Park Avenue South. Boyish and cute like Leonardo DiCaprio—when he said his premiere collection was "inspired by the ocean", I thought, yeah, like 'The Beach" that strange thriller Leo made in 1990—where nothing was as it seems.

There's a disheveled Gothic beauty and 19th century feel to McLeod's intimate collection of just seven pieces. There was a 15-layer pleated asymmetrical tulle skirt assembled like nothing I've seen with teal, seafoam and ivory hues paired with the simplest white single button blouse. A sheer cami of silk georgette, organza and grey tulle and a sleeveless blouse of pearl grey tulle with elliptical inserts of ivory and blue silk organza show the FIT honors student and former Rodarte apprentice in full command of his craft. Attention Hollywood ingénues: plenty here for your next red carpet!

Shark attacks were the inspiration for the ubiquitous necklaces—porcelain "teeth" splattered with red hand-coated glaze for blood. McLeod's father, who makes pottery, had a hand in creating these pretty meets predator charms.

This Brooklyn-based North Carolina native's dream of living in Rockaways Beach (where sharks do occasionally wash ashore) may explain his seaside-inspired color palette and chaotic elegance.