The Paisley, long a signature of the Italian brand, has been given a new look courtesy of Indian artists, Thukral and Tagra. Handpicked by Jacopo Etro, Creative Director of Accessories, after he saw their work in a gallery in India, the duo has redesigned, reinterpreted and repeated the traditional print and splashed it across totes, satchels and wallets.
I thought it was very interesting and fun at the same time, which is what Etro is about, renewing the classics, Jacopo Etro told us as he unveiled the collection in London. And I like the idea of working with Indian artists because the Paisley is Indian, its part of their tradition.
The repeat print has been overlaid with the duos dreamy illustrations of houses and trees and clouds. Its very surrealistic, a bit Magritte from an Indian point of view, but its also very social, says Jacopo. If you look at the houses and all their patterning it recalls the Indian new society that it coming up, so theres this whole social thing which I like because it has some meaning, its not just something pretty.
The bags are currently on sale in Etros flagship London store, and some of Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagras brightly coloured, mixed media art works are on display throughout the townhouse too, sitting alongside pieces from the Etro familys private art collection.
And, if were lucky, there may be another collection to follow Jacopo is keen to do another colourway for winter. Well see what they say, if they had fun doing it or not. Artists are a bit crazy and you never know how theyre going to react.
The 'Mirabilia' collection is available in Etro stores now. Prices from £150 - £700.
