DON’T LET THOUGHTS of approaching winter rain and ice get you down. Spring is coming, too, as seen in the Spring/Summer 2019 collection of Italian womenswear designer Veronica Etro. She has cast her high-end net along the edges of the Pacific and returned with clothing inspired by the languid ease of coastal paradise. Think California surf culture, the bohemian freedom of Venice Beach, the nature and sunsets of Hawaii, and Japan’s denim culture and graphic traditions.
She features paisley, patchwork and her usual rigorous construction. It all feels joyous, free and effortless. The materials are breathable but luxurious.
Workwear-inspired jeans and long robes are a patchwork of patterned jacquard denim. Slim-fitting knit suits and minidresses masquerade as wetsuits (not to be mistaken for actual neoprene on bolero jackets). Craft-inspired crochet and macramé create minidresses and patchwork, again, knitwear. Embroidered cotton on matching trouser-and-shirt sets looks lacelike. Quilted kimono-style robes and terrycloth-lined short-sleeve cotton coats are the apex of casual cool. A mini beaded cotton shirtdress has a funky raffia-fringed hem. Etro’s signature dresses in Crêpe de Chine, georgette and pekin silk mix pattern and pop.
The collection begins with saturated shades of indigo and coral and melts into a riot of pale citrus — lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit — then circles back to black, white and cream. Prints feature Technicolor paisley, Matisse-inspired cutouts, Japanese calligraphy, tropical florals and bandana patterns.
Loose and free silhouettes maintain elements of structure. Judo-style jackets are belted at the waist with long cotton bows. Drawstrings at the wrist and waist finish fluttering silk dresses. Wide, soft trousers provide room to move, run or chill. Billowing kaftans seem to float, while slouchy shantung silk suits hint at 1970s glamour.
In metro Atlanta, you’ll find Etro’s luxury fashions at the Shops Buckhead or via Etro’s website HERE.
