Etro, a Milanese fashion house known for its beautiful colors and patterns has created a collection that is unique among menswear offering a sensuous, richly patterned Indian Raj inspired collection designed to thrill the senses. As Kean Etro explained, the foundation of the collection stems from “complex explorable tri-dimensional structures.” His models sported silky dressing gowns over baggy trousers that gathered around the ankles, and long, fluttering tunics inspired by the traditional salwar kameez, a traditional style of dress worn by both men and women in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
Using natural light-weight fabrics, Kean sent out luscious patterned silks and linens in royal shades of blues and purples enhanced by haunting rhythmic music. A periwinkle blue linen blazer atop a purple and blue paisley silk tunic is worn over dark silk flowing pants, with the tunic falling just below the knee creating a beautiful contrast between the paisley and the electrifying complimentary hues.
As the show progressed invariably bolder and more brilliant color ways made their way down the runway to the sacred chanting sounds of Eskimo shaman, Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, spiritual leader of Ice Wisdom who created a sound meditation for climate change. Following the deep blues and rich purples, the collection progressed to warm hues of fiery orange and red silk paisley patterned suits presented among striped silk tunics and jackets accessorized with enchanting jewel toned scarves. More structured silhouettes included a linen red or white bandleader jacket with embroidered frogging detail across the front and back. Neutral gray, green and earthy browns were next in the rainbow filled spectrum. An intricate paisley print trickled down a dark green tunic worn over olive green silk pants and was also seen on an elegant dark green tailored suit. Next, a bright persimmon unconstructed silk suit with a purple and orange patterned tunic was followed by a brilliant rosy magenta suit styled with a monochromatic lavender shirt and a long flowing paisley scarf.
The collection came to a close with the looks shifting to simple monochromatic black or white. Small embellishments of sequins and gold lamé conveyed the cultural richness of the Indian and Kashmiri culture which originated Etro’s beloved paisley print.
