Kean Etro, the creative director of Etro, paid tribute to Italian musician and artist Franco Battiato, who died last month, with his spring 2022 men’s collection. Etro first met the artist back in 1985 and has forever since inspired the designer.

Taking place at Milan’s former railway station Scalo Farini, one of the three live shows in Milan this season, models walked down train tracks to the soundtrack of Battiato’s music. Etro said that the runway had no beginning and no end. The collection transpired an inviting sense of freedom to be true to who you are and an overflowing feeling of exhilaration.

 

 

 

 

 

Battiato’s music references globetrotting, which has been a constant inspiration throughout every collection Etro has designed. For this collection, Etro tapped into the “nomadic spirit” which “Nomadi” coincidentally is a 1988 song written by Battiato.

Tapping further into the mystical bohemian world  that he wanted to convey, Etro drew inspiration from travel writer Bruce Chatwin and Agatha Christie for her trips with archaeologist husband, Sir Max Mallowan, on his excavations in the Middle East. The inspiration he took wasn’t so quite literal, like adding cargo pants or hiking shoes, but more about the energy of experimenting with colors and fluidity.

“I wanted clean and graphic symbols, as if they were memories of the past,” said Etro during a preview at the Etro showroom in Milan. Shiny metallic pants in bright colors, monochromatic floral print suits, tribal caftans and sweater vests with Etro’s iconic paisley prints brought magic onto the runway.

Etro has also been in the forefront of the recent resurgence of glam-rock, dressing the winners of the Eurovision music contest, Italian rock band Måneskin.

The nonconformist collection with ombré bright suits also featured more toned down earth tones with patterns inspired by petroglyphs and rock carvings.

The accessories didn’t take a backseat in this runway show, Etro included ombre colorful totes, leather satchels, backpacks, chokers, and sneakers that will make any sneakerhead jealous.

Etro’s collection will leave you excited for future travel plans and filled with energy, which feels like a breathe of fresh air after the year we’ve had.

To see the full collection watch below