From The Straits Times    |

Etro Spring Summer 2013 DECORMILAN – Flowers are a central theme at the Etro Spring Summer 2013 runway show in Milan, where the collection seemed to conjure up a garden of Eden, with earthy colour tones brightened by large hand-painted prints of birds of paradise, butterflies and flamingos.

“Rooted in a dream-like earthly paradise, the collection delves into a female fantasy yet imparts a sense of discipline and rigorous restraint in its simplified shapes and compact materials,” the luxury brand said.

Designer Veronica Etro drew on the Oriental influence which has become a regular theme this fashion week – showing up at both Gucci and Prada – with a modern take on the kimono showing short jackets, cropped wide-legged judo trousers and soft, pyjama-style suits.

The fashion house said the collection was inspired by “richly feminine Orientalist paintings” and “Japanese vase prints,” though there were clear nods to the poncho and sari as well, with dresses cut from single squares of fabric.

For the evening, glittering striped trousers, a silver dress with large sparkling beads, a canary yellow dress – which the model had to keep hitching back into place – or pink and black trousers with orange ruffles down the legs.

The result was a rather confusing mix of themes and colours – a white suit with blue flowers and wide red, green and black stripes on the sleeves raised eyebrows – though the brand faithfully included its traditional paisley pattern.

Etro is located at Paragon Shopping Centre, #01-30, Tel: 6737 5108. For more information about Etro, go to www.etro.com.