Punk fashion continues to follow its decades old ebb and flow of being downright cute and then just hardcore…punk. The look is directly linked to the attitude of its wearers who are easily identified as those who spend more time getting ready than Miss Universe and wear more layers than Eskimos. Although this would be a statement worth fighting over if you were a purist punk – those who will not waiver from the traditional black, white and purple variations of stripes and torn clothes – punk is taking on a prettier twist this season.

Throw backs to the days of Madonna are once again showing up in fashion mags and on runways. The look is, as ever, over the top, heavily layered and a feast for the eyes. This newest take on punk was best described by designer Christian Louboutin as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” The palest of yellows and pinks have infiltrated the dark punk palette to give this genre of fashion an edge that leaves onlookers even more confused by these stone faced girls in pink tights covered by a pair of newly designed yarn mesh fishnets complete, of course, with holes.

It’s the perfectly formed holes that continue to be the ultimate signature of punk. Some clothes defy the laws of fabric by staying together they are so filled with them. And there are no pieces that don’t have holes – from tops to skirts to leggings and stockings. It’s a wonder you can figure out how to wear the most torn articles, there’s not much left to them. Yet once a punk ensemble is complete there’s really nothing like it.

Ruffles are a new addition this year and part of what is turning punk from nearly gothic to pretty and soft. Expect to see short skirts that stand nearly straight out from the body because of the multiple layers of ruffles worn underneath. Slips are wider than they are longer. Some have more than twenty layers of ruffled crinoline.

Shoes are also a surprise. They are remarkably bright and the heels are remarkably high. Six inch heels have nothing on these babies. It seems to be the rebellion of the season – I dare you to walk a mile in these! Gold is a popular color and it’s not uncommon for the shoes of choice to be studded with crystals or beads or any other imaginable addition. The style is chunky and is often finished by ankle straps that wrap around and around and as high as the top of the knee.

You’ll know you’re looking at modern punk if you see everything from dresses to sweaters to fishnets made from heavy, twisted, colored yarn. It’s not the fabric of summer, but it’s going to make a scene in the fall and winter months ahead. Yarn is the perfect choice because it’s different (a staple of punk,) and it easily creates sturdy holes.

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