Sonia Rykiel Enlists Kirsten Dunst, Liya Kebede and Others to Design Sweaters for a Good Cause

In 1962, designer Sonia Rykiel made a name for herself with her iconic “Poor Boy” sweater, a body-hugging ribbed knit pullover with high armholes. As a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Sonia Rykiel fashion house, creative director Julie de Libran started a campaign called “Generous Sweaters,” featuring seven influential women putting their own spin on the classic poor boy sweater.

Proceeds from the limited-edition designs will go to each woman’s charity of choice: Planned Parenthood (Kirsten Dunst), Ving (Sofia Boutella), Hope & Home for Children (Kristin Scott), Gohan Shokudo (Kazuyo Sejima), lemlem Foundation (Liya Kebede), Le Refuge (Langley Fox), Children’s Hospital of Seoul National University (Sue-Jin Kang) and Maison des Femmes (Julie de Libran).

Langley Fox’s design for the Generous Sweaters project; Image: Courtesy of Sonia Rykiel

Each design was inspired by personal stories and advocacies. Boutella’s sweater features a colorful crocheted butterfly, which was influenced by her childhood memories of a butterfly top she would borrow from her father. Kebede’s sweater, stitched in Ethiopian fabrics, is a recognition of her birthplace. Fox’s rainbow sweater honors Le Refuge, which provides safety to LGBT youths who are met with violence.

Generous Sweaters will be available in Sonia Rykiel stores and on the brand’s website by mid-November.

Kirsten Dunst's design for the Generous Sweaters project; Image: Courtesy of Sonia Rykiel — Kirsten Dunst’s design for the Generous Sweaters project; Image: Courtesy of Sonia Rykiel