Missoni explored the vivacity of the Selva Lacandona rainforest to the rough terrains of the Cuchumatanes, drawing inspiration for its 2017 spring/summer menswear collection. The runway in Milan exploded with colors like dark coffee brown, deep jungle green, tyrian purple, bright papaya, and Mayan gold, which captured the rich landscape and culture of Guatemala.
The talent of Missoni’s craftsman held nothing back with its detailed attention to antiquity and tradition of Guatemalan lifestyle. A motif of the quetzal bird appeared in hand-embroidered details, either rippling in metallic gold or multicolored threads. Producing a congruency between the vibrant tones and hues prompted Missoni to use its antique looms in Sumirago, weaving fabric consisting of 83 colors.
There were embroidered loom-knit blouson jackets, embroidered cowboy shirts created from a woven jacquard, and knee-length Japanese-denim shorts with a pinching-sash belt. The blending of two worlds—the European tipping his hat to the Guatemalan vaquero—culminated in a collection of innovation and tradition.