Well what can we say?  Once again ETRO treated us to the most incredible show.  The energy that the brand manages to transmit through its creations (masterpieces!) on the catwalk is unmatchable, the music, models, staff, all move as one to present the onlooker with a one-of-a-kind show.  Add to that the maxi screens used to reproduce the motifs of the fabrics used for the collections and you have a Fashion Opera on your hands worthy of Verona’s Arena!

The Etro Fall Winter 2013-14 show is about to begin ……

Cathedral vaults and Renaissance ceilings, to 19th century ethnic prints to Russian ceramics are at the root of the inspiration for this collection.  Veronica Etro manages to create a fantasy stage where global and cultural influences freely co-exist.

 Etro’s hallmark prints are newly animated with this collection, with digital printing techniques have allowed for the merging of patterns where one fades or simply distorts into another.  Layers of repeated pixels create what can only be described as a ‘cyber pattern’!

Newly created ‘technical’  fabrics have allowed for these prints to be as effective as the designer had set out for them to be, while heavy silk cady provides a modern clean fabric for print.   Luxurious micro bead embroideries add an incredibly effective touch to the designs adding depth and ‘structure’ to the prints – true italian craftsmanship at its very best!

We found the intarsia of luxurious materials exciting an innovative, a risk which has paid off resulting in a magnificent collection.  It’s not often that you will see technical tulle net interspersed with wool and leather on a roomy overcoat, or jacquards with intricate texture!  As we write this it does sound strange indeed, but seeing it on the runway leaves one breathless!

The ETRO woman is strong,  determined, well groomed capable of standing out from the crowds not just through the florescent pigments or extravagance of the collection, but mainly through the class and refined taste and style which characterises ETRO.

A sporty influence along with clean simple shapes are the crux of the refined elegance of this collection. From the cropped, slightly flared three-tone leather motorcycle trousers, and ski-slope inflected trousers and sweaters, both featuring padding, stitching and colour blocking.  Long sleeve dresses are cut to the knee or fall to the ground in a backless column.  Pleated (with a hint of A-line) skirts hav a new kilt construction with zip closures and flaps.  Jackets are slimly cut while the outwear has new oversized volume.

One word ….. STUNNING

Backstage!