Etro’s The Circle of Poets
The fashion brand tells the story of 11 artists and calls upon more to submit their work
For almost 50 years now, the distinct patterns and striking silhouettes of Italian fashion house Etro have been an artistic, driving force in Milan. The family-run label, however, hasn’t stopped there. Only last year, menswear creative director Kean Etro commissioned a group of Como-based artists to hand-paint prints onto select pieces, in a move he referred to as “hand-painted tailoring.” This year, the creative director is embracing artists on a larger scale. The brand has just unveiled The Circle of Poets—a section of their site that will share the stories of 11 “poets” over the next 11 weeks. The word poets, in this sense, is used to refer to artists in general, and Kean Etro himself specifically called upon these young Milanese creatives. But this is just the beginning.
Beyond the artists’ stories, the brand has also commissioned work from those selected. Nicolò Gialain, an honoree, captured himself and the others at work and play—in Etro fall 2016 outfits. Adalberto Lombardo shot the launch’s accompanying video. And now, as Etro opens up the circle for submissions, artists across the globe have an opportunity at not only utilizing the brand for exposure, but also being commissioned to work with the brand on artistic projects planned for the coming months. Etro has asked for any artists—filmmakers, photographers, musicians and writers—to submit their work online. It’s more than a chance for recognition, but the possibility of working alongside one of Italy’s premier fashion innovators.
Explore Etro’s The Circle of Poets online and perhaps submitting your own work for consideration.
Images by Nicolò Gialain, courtesy of Etro
