“It’s this idea of curiosity and mystery–you know, curiosity is what inspires fashion,” Cynthia Rowley whisper-shouted to me above the boisterous crowd that had piled into her new Upper East Side store, which last night doubled as a show space for her Fall 2013 presentation. Indeed, there was much to be curious about: From the enchanted forest decor to the trays of champagne and glittering cotton candy ice cream cones, to the fully-functioning candy salon on the second floor, housing Rowley’s latest project called–what else?–CuRious.

Rowley said this collection was inspired by “dark, beautiful, romanticism–though not in the traditional sense.” The mood was decidedly goth–pale faced models wore deep purple lipstick and ruddy eyeshadow to complement an ongoing theme of oil slick-esque mother of pearl fabrics. Saturated mohair sweaters kept things cozy, while subtly pleated midi skirts and slouchy cigarette pants conjured up images of a quirky old-souled girl who’s possibly experiencing Vitamin D deficiency.

Mostly, I couldn’t take my eyes (and iPhone) off the tights: Sheer hose embellished with shiny cabochons, creating a mesmerizing, almost reptilian Avatar effect.

Photos: William Eadon