Etro

Veronica Etro's Fall 2013 collection explores the tension between how to dress for today while showing respect for the past.

Read on for more about Etro's Fall 2013 collection.

When we think "elegant," that often comes with an idea of something quietly beautiful; Victoria Etro challenged that with a collection most notable for its very vibrant — and certainly not muted or quiet — kind of beauty. With dramatic references to Asian art, Etro crafted a lineup of brilliant hues and paradise-inspired prints on both fluid gowns and more structured kimono-style tunic jackets and even dresses that more literally hinted at the construction of a beautifully painted fan. The artistic inspiration was quite literally worked into the collection — the prints did, truly, feel like paintings, and the wash of colors grabbed you like a great piece of art does. When the line gave way to sequin stripes, fluid pants, and flowing caftans, the wearable shapes worked to counter the statement-making patterns and standout color — the kind meant for making an entrance. But if being the center of attention isn't your thing, the more "understated" pieces — the white looks, dotted with florals or slouchy pants and boxy tops — would still get you noticed with a little (but not much) more subtlety.

• Trends: Kimonos, florals, brights, sequins, stripes, cutouts, and asymmetrical cuts.
• Colors: White, black, rust; bright blue, yellow, pink, and orange.
• Key Piece: The printed sheath and sportier topper on Joan Smalls was one of the collection's coolest looks.
• Accessories: Strappy black and white sandals, flat sandals, jeweled earrings, and printed, oversize clutches.
• Who Should Wear It: We could see Kate Hudson in that one-shouldered, sequined, striped number.

Veronica Etro clearly had florals on her brain when designing for Spring 2013, but not in the way that one would expect. Bold and colorful Spanish flamenco-inspired florals were beautiful on pant suits, shirtdresses, pencil skirts, and elaborate flowy gowns. As the collection grew, so did the size and brightness of the flowers on the clothes. By the end, it was a mesmerizing garden scene. Likewise, sleek Japanese influences were felt throughout the show. Structured kimono jackets with cropped, cuffed, wide-leg trousers brought a modern twist to the traditional garb. Of course Etro's signature paisley print was also present, as were a few striped suits and dresses. There were a few solid pieces sprinkled in, but it was generally a mixed-prints party.

Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and baby Blue Ivy just jetted off to St. Barts for a glam getaway, and naturally, the singer busted out with a super-hot Etro cover-up during a casual stroll. While in many places it's not hot enough to walk around in a cover-up just yet, you can start perusing for the perfect one for your upcoming Summer vacations. Whether you're headed to Miami, Los Angeles, Tahiti, or the Caribbean like Beyoncé and Jay, we have found 10 equally standout cover-ups that will suit all your glam getaways.

For Etro's Fall 2012 collection, Veronica Etro showed an abundance of paisley patterns revised with a modern touch. "There is something about the paisley which at heart is very aristocratic," said Etro, when describing the collection. That said, Etro utilized the print in every form via multicolored trousers, sheer fit-and-flare dresses, and rich velvet gowns. Outerwear highlighted a range of gorgeous belted coats, fur caplets, and draped laser-cut blazers. There were also some sheer paisley shirts paired with baggy silk trousers emoting a seductive menswear feel. Meanwhile, dresses ranged from sheer body-conscious silhouettes, accessorized with leather peplum belts, to long velvet burnout gowns. More details from Etro's collection below.

• Trends: Paisley, peplum, baggy trousers, velvet.
• Colors: Black, burnt orange, red, brown, gray, camel, moss green.
• Key Piece: The fit-and-flare paisley dresses and the sheer paisley tops were key standouts.
• Accessories: Peplum belts, cutout booties, ankle-strap pumps, satchel bags.
• Who Would Wear It: Red-carpet ladies who like decadent drama like Evan Rachel Wood and Sarah Jessica Parker.

>> Oversized paisleys and op-art mosaics were the motifs du jour at Fall 2012 Etro. In a burnished palette of taupe, burgundy, and gray, they decorated every one of the collection's lean-lined looks. They appeared tattoo-like on sheer blouses, kaleidoscopic on peplumed sheaths, and texturally geometric on wide-legged pants. Whip-smart blazers and straight-cut coats in velvet and jacquard lent a jaunty, dandy mood.

>> Seen backstage yesterday in Milan: Karlie Kloss enjoying a pre-show coffee at Blumarine, Kasia Struss laughing amongst a pile of pillows at Etro, and Zuzanna Bijoch giving a little twirl at Versace. See these shenanigans — plus more behind-the-scene moments — in the slideshow.

Photos: Greg Kessler

Tis the season for wild print, which poses an exciting opportunity for Etro to flex its print-happy muscle for Spring 2012. The collection delivered just that, but it also gave us fringe-detailed dresses and jackets and '20s-inspired dresses. Our full collection to come, but for now, check out the pics!