With quirky statement sweaters securely in place as front-row staples and street-style bait, we re sure to be seeing more of them from designers with a sense of humor. Gwen Stefani s contribution to the genre was a taupe crewneck with houndstooth-print arms that had the word "punk" emblazoned across the chest in sulfur green and hot pink. It was Stefani herself distilled in one piece: A retro sweater girl with a rebellious streak, all dolled up in acid hues and a dash of black-and-white check.
Those elements appeared throughout the collection, which, over email, Stefani said had been influenced by the original rock n roll girls of the early sixties. The models sky-high beehives and demarcated Twiggy lashes took you back; the collection s bold hues and digital prints brought you up to date. As for the silhouette, a familiar polarity was at play: Narrow pants and printed jumpsuits had a boyish appeal, while flared miniskirts and cropped cocoon coats provided a girly edge. Whichever gender they called to mind, the pieces paired a welcome ease with a pert punch. Punk, but pretty.
