A colourful Etro collaboration

Last night I attended the London launch of the latest Etro artistic collaboration. This winter the esteemed Italian label has worked with the Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa, renowned for her colourful, eclectic, almost cartoonish style. The accessories were festooned with flora and fauna, described by Hilary Alexander on Twitter as ‘bright pop-manga-paisley motifs of butterflies/flowers’. How about that for a hybrid of fashion inspiration?

The artist Mika Ninagawa with her Etro AW14 collection

Almost as colourful as the accessories were the gorgeous cocktails, with real flowers floating atop a delicious prosecco, sake and lychee mix.

The colourful cocktails (Image above from Instagram by @Jasmineguinness)

As if this wasn’t enough glamour for one evening, the DJs on the decks were none other than models Jasmine Guiness and Jade Parfitt, looking resplendent in Etro AW14.

Jasmine Guinness and Jade Parfitt kept the crowds entertained

The collection was launched at the stunning Etro store on Old Bond Street, all dark wood, glass and polished metal rails. After further exploration of the various rooms and floors, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the photogenic AW14 collection. Brocade, embellishment and sumptuous fabrics in rich shades of gold, burgundy and indigo had me dreaming of a decadent royal party. I was so transported I almost forgot about the pounding rain outside.