Kean Etro is welcoming the psychedelic spirit of the ‘60s to Etro’s “Indian Summer” spring/summer 2018 collection. Referencing the colors and the feel of the shores of Goa and the Himalayas, the imaginative collection wanders through a colorful awakening. This season, the collection’s stars were by far the prints. As usual, Etro’s pieces are full of fanciful, playful paisleys, and a handful of special new designs. We see intricate add-ons, with beading and outward stitching, and images of sacred cows, elephants, hallucinogenic frogs, and even tantric couples.
This dreamscape continues with materials. Kean Etro’s grandfather was a textile dealer who spent seasonal months in Madras with local weavers working outside in the open air. The impurities of the creations these artisans made were touchpoints throughout this line, specially recreated by the Etro’s Italian atelier. Linen, rayon, and a cotton-linen mix make for a leisurely texture, combined with a few pieces in raw wool for a structured look.
Colors were studied for specific dye tones, resulting in spiritual, earthy offerings of bronze, turquoise, fuchsia, and military green. For the silhouette of the summer, we have contrasting yet fluid shapes. Up top, there’s a tailored edge in the fitted blazers, and below, there’s gathered ankles—inspired by pants worn in Goa—for the loose-fitting trousers. In a nod to Victorian-era suiting, we also see slim-cut tuxedo-style pants for evening wear.
Accessories included woven scarves, hand-printed leather espadrilles, paisley trainers, and shoulder bags with fringe, all beckoning our attention.