No fashion fireworks but a celebration of its roots marked the collection that Etro unveiled via presentation format for spring 2026.

Forgoing the coed formula of February to give full focus to its men’s offering, the house opened the doors of its Milan headquarters to guests, who were welcomed by a performance of Italian artist Lucamaleonte. Perched on a ladder, he live painted a colorful artwork overlaying Etro’s signature paisley pattern with the image of a bird and flowers.

It was the prelude to a collection that largely banked on house codes, with little space to new interpretations. The motif of an archival pochette inspired the ornamental prints marking the neckline and cuffs of an off-white zippered jacket, while another allover graphic splashed on fluid silk shirts veered toward the psychedelic, evoking its ‘70s roots and the free-spirited attitude of the brand.

Paisley ran throughout daywear and formal tailoring alike, from featuring in the weft of knitted polo shirts to getting a tone-on-tone treatment in cargo pants and suits. Pinstripes and checks added to the sartorial lexicon, while tonal embroideries elevated the simple lines of knits and field jackets. 

These were rendered in a soft palette of powder pink, periwinkle, sage and shades of blue, which amplified the sense of gentle masculinity and the laid-back mood of the lineup. So much so that the brand also included fluid robe coats and printed silk pajamas — a nod to the origins of Etro, which launched with home collections.