Sepia, ochre yellow, fresh whites, rich chestnut, chocolate brown, terracotta and cinnamon brown take our wardrobe straight into Autumn. Farah Baig explores the best of Bally and ETRO for some inspo.
The weather is finally cooling down in the region, and with the onset of October’s anticipated pumpkin spice lattes comes another exciting factor – the changing of wardrobes. We’re ready to put away our bright summer fits and step into fall with much-loved seasonal hues, beautifully interpreted by big fashion brands.
This month, we’re particularly enticed by the evocative FW23 collections of the renowned brands Bally and ETRO. Let’s explore the brands’ runway collections; we’re sure you’ll find inspiration, and perhaps even some of these fits in your closet very soon.
ETRO Fall/Winter 2023
ETRO’s creative director, Marco De Vincenzo, creates a compelling dialogue with the FW23 collection. The roots of Etro are in fabric and print: tartans, cravatteria motifs and, of course, paisley. All of it comes back this season framed by a new sense of precision, by a psychedelic proclivity for sharp cuts and the rhythm of patterns.
Things come together instinctively, as long billowy dresses are paired with droopy, chunky knits, and androgynous trousers and vests are mingled with silk blouses. Tailoring is tall and precise, in opulent fabrications. Necktie motifs swarm on enveloping coats with contrast prints on the inside. Denim pants peek-a-boo, hinting, indeed, at a radical look. Etro being a whole world, elements of home furnishing are borrowed, with blankets wrapped on light dresses.
Fringes dance along the hem of chunky polos and scarves, while applique gives argyle knit a three-dimensional charm.
BALLY Autumn/Winter 2023
The collection was unveiled in a parade winding through the corridors and gardens of a historic Milanese residence. The collection celebrates a modern take on the masterful Swiss craftsmanship of leather goods and accessories that stretch back to the mid-19th century.
A strong, elevated silhouette for women merges tropes of Hollywood past and present. Ready-To-Wear statements for day and night reflect the bygone grandeur of Da Vinci’s Casa degli Atellani, as its dark wood balustrades, scrolled ironwork, mosaic floors and opulent marble fireplaces create a rich dialogue with the season’s autumnal palette.
Elusive characters embody a cinematic allure, as a duality of comfort and modern elegance abounds: structured leather coats and sophisticated tailoring is layered with fine gauge ribbed knitwear and silk pyjama separates to create contemporary expressions of effortless luxury. The gold BALLY emblem and bevelled Bally Spell, and nostalgic touch of archival prints combine the rigour of smart tailoring and leather separates.
Fabrics include ‘corduroy’ suede, embossed python and lizard-effect leathers, plush shearling, quilted patent and velvet. Stonewashed denim and pinstriped English wools add elements of contrasting casual and formalwear, lifted by harmonious accessories in jewel tones of burgundy, ochre and deep ocean blue.
The accessories collection creates a bold counterpart to the silhouette, fusing classical European and Western influences in tactile finishes from velvet and suede thigh-high boots in soft earth tones, to bright embossed ‘croc’ and patent handbags and weekender styles.
