Etro Autumn-Winter 2009/2010

Milan Fashion Week gave us plenty of new ideas about what to wear during the fall 2009. Today we’ll talk about Veronica Etro, a super-talented designer who has always surprised us with her flight of fantasy.

Both her men and women collections are special in some way, rich in folk motives, details and décor. Each season she chooses a country or diaspora to represent in her line.

This time the inspiration was the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, whose treasures happen to have just been on display at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

It is a common fact that Italy has long been a bridge between Western and Eastern cultures. And now this fact was taken as a basis for creation of really great, fabulous collection!

The feel of the line comes from everything: the hues – which are pure golds, bronzes, and copper, all possible tints of greys and browns; unusual details – neckpieces and belts that resemble the feathers of the angel wings seen in Byzantine icons; fringed bibs; gilded leather; and the prints derived, probably, from the patterns of Turkish carpets.

Actually you don’t have to be educated in art history to understand what was on show.

Etro created a nice set of accessible daywear, including coats, flowy, halter-neck scarf dresses perfect for evening wear, pencil skirts, cropped, pleated trousers, silk patterned blouses, patchwork jackets, assymetrical style dresses and sweaters, chic trouser suits with metallic tint and other fantastic pieces.

The gilt-edged suede shoes and the gold-and-fringed bags might be interesting for fashionistas who love Etro style and those who want to add some extreme features in their attires.

I like the collection very much. It looks great and must be very practical and comfortable to wear. I love the scarf dresses and sweaters, they look so feminine and far from being similar to everything that is in stores now.

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