A Narrative.

A Fashion show often consists of a singular story. That of the Designer and his or her inspiration. But what happens when you expand a story to allow it to become a narrative? A new understanding has evolved, and with this understanding, a creative freedom begins to express itself in your work. In the Etro Fall 2010 Collection, Veronica Etro exhibited a sort of collaboration between her ideas, and the narrative of many. What resulted was a powerful collection documenting the harsh realities of domination and oppression, and the struggle for unity among classes that has taken place throughout Chinese History. Traditional Chinese clothing united Veronica Etro's use of print and patterns beautifully with traditional Qipao blouses and dresses in swirling prints reminiscent of Chinese Art. A Mao Suit (worn by Magdalena Frackowiak) told the story of the struggle of the Chinese Government to retain their Chinese Heritage in the face of increasing Western Influence. Where was the working class in all of this? In a beautiful, but unglamorous slouchy turtleneck in dark grey, or the unstructured shearling sweater. Not forgetting Veronica Etro, her vision was astoundingly clear in a silk, split shouldered top with a soft paisley print, or a belted robe with flowing tapered trousers. The Collection varied between looks of structured, masculine tailoring, and soft feminine looks, with androgynous looks that served the purpose of showcasing the Western Influence that the Chinese so ardently fought against, and embraced. The Collection became consistently darker ending with looks like a funnel neck cape trimmed in fox tails that were dyed red at the tip and a gorgeous charcoal sleeveless kimono dress with a black and white patterned slip showing underneath. Ending on a luxurious note, Veronica Etro's Fall 2010 Collection shows that true understanding and evolution come when you stop trying to tell your story, and begin to tell the stories of others.

Etro Fall 2010
Photos:Style.com