With black thigh-highs and embroidered crests, Vera Wang's pre-fall collection had a slightly quirky, prep-school appeal. Wang took simple school clothes, altered their silhouettes, and voilà, couture. Abbreviated kilts had asymmetrical pleats; classic cardigans came triple-layered and balloon-sleeved. But the girls that strutted down the runway were hardly teacher's pets. There wasn't a trace of argyle or khaki to be found. Fur capelets, high-heeled ankle boots, and plenty of leather were these pupils' uniforms of choice. It was a significant step into rebellious territory, but Wang didn't lose her signature style. All-black ensembles were gothic without bordering on Givenchy territory. The designer's staples - the statement necklace, the slightly boxy shift, the hint of translucency - weren't lost in translation. There was plenty of prettiness, too, in the form of Wang's usual cocktail dresses and evening gowns. But in a season where designers show a reluctance to head in a new direction, the stars of the show were Wang's punky-rebel ensembles.