By her own admission, Veronica Etro is not technologically inclined. She prefers the handmade and imperfect to the serialized and industrial. Her new collection was all about making things by hand on your own—customizing, dyeing, cutting, braiding, embellishing. It was also about light textures, dense embroideries, and a sense of bohemian ease. It channeled a message: freedom. "I figured out this woman, an artist, living on her own in the desert," said Etro backstage. "I'm not particularly interested in festivals and gatherings, but I am inspired by the energy that arises from being close to nature in its wildest state."
The collection had an elegant, hippie feel; the '70s are certainly the decade of choice at this Milan fashion week. Etro's lineup didn't conjure images of Burning Man, but it did channel an en plein air concert vibe. It mixed Native American nods with the flowing layers and neckerchief hems of Zandra Rhodes, feather necklaces and beads, textural vests and billowing skirts, and ponchos. There were almost no trousers in sight, save for laser-cut, frayed, tribal-looking denim. What really got your attention were the textures—lived-in, matte, at times even faded, like something that had been washed and left to dry in the glaring sun, or a treasured hippie hand-me-down found in the attic. Etro said she didn't want anything to feel too stiff, precious, or new; she washed even the most delicate silks to obtain that effect. The collection had a hypnotic rhythm, which was enhanced by the psychedelic soundtrack. If anything was lacking, it was a twisted take on the hippie theme; things looked too perfectly manicured and literal. Break out the individual pieces, however, and they'll shine.
