When you think of “radical” fashion, images of the avant-garde and the extreme come to mind. But for Etro’s creative director, Marco De Vincenzo, “radical” seeps beyond surface level. Revisiting and reconstructing the heritage of the brand in his recent autumn/winter 2023 show, the designer presented his “Radical” collection, which saw Etro return to its print and paisley roots. Fittingly, despite its modern connotations, the term radical comes from the Late Latin word “radicalis,” or root. And radical it was indeed to present a collection based entirely on its incarnation of past decades given the brand was founded back in 1968.

 
Alongside signature prints dug up from the brand’s extensive archive, including paisley and polka-dot, there was quilting, floral appliques and tartan, draped over ruffled maxi skirts and corduroy tailoring, that captured the spirit of the late-60s and early-70s bohemia that the brand was founded on.

 
 
In the wake of its eclectic Milan show, the brand has launched Etro “Kind Knits,” a new See now Buy now upcycling capsule collection which hit the runway for AW23. The capsule features a series of 22 exuberant striped knits, in a kaleidoscope of colours from neo-yellow and cobalt blue to ochre and burgundy, divided into 2 key styles; one with square intarsia and a lace-up neckline and the other a scooped-neck waistcoat (ideal for transitional seasons).

The new project stems from the collaboration with a historical partner of Etro, which has made a precious sample of stock yarns available to Etro’s design team. After the Love Trotter upcycling project, this launch is a continuation of Marco’s exploration into Etro's history researching the infinite possibilities of what textile mastery can achieve when given a new lease of life in the 21st century.

 
   
The limited edition will be on sale on ETRO.com until 5 March and ships today, so make sure you don't miss out!