Veronica Etro seems to be on a perennial Grand Tour, a constant traveler seeking inspiration for her feminine, romantic collections. She's roamed the entire planet in her imagination, exploring cultures with relentless visual curiosity, which has nurtured a rich aesthetic. For Resort, she fused African decorative motifs with the traditional patterns of Anglo-Indian textiles: "It's a paisley jungle!" she said.
Etro is provided with a formidable family archive, built upon the research of generations. With such an extraordinary range of references, mixing and matching might seem the easiest exercise in free style. Yet the polished results of the designer's collections are proof of a keen eye not only for decorative flamboyance but for subtle balance and restraint. It was apparent in Resort's lineup, where clashing patterns were fused together with effortless flair.
Shapes were elongated and languid, as in kimonos, robes de chambre, pajamas, and fluid cardigans in smooth silks and crêpe de chines printed with batik motifs, paisley patterns, blossoms, and harlequin damiers. A trompe l'oeil camouflage revealed itself at close inspection to be little zebras, leopards, and parakeets playing hide-and-seek between polka dots and stripes. Dresses had Etro's signature bohemian allure, with asymmetric hems creating a sense of movement and ease.
After such an extensive itinerary through Africa and India, Etro returned to Europe, touching on opulent folklore and Klimtian magnificence. Swirling Art Deco patterns, beaded Venetian murrines, and watercolor flowers were scattered as wallpaper prints on floating dresses and luxurious opera coats in lurex jacquard, gold polka-dot fil coupé, and rich brocade. They looked like beautiful peacocks, parading their fan tails in a lush, exotic garden.
