At Etro’s show, the runway was lined with these massive cast-iron and concrete agaves, all in full bloom—a pretty striking nod to a plant that flowers only once before dying off. It’s a bit poetic, right? This plant, which thrives along the Mediterranean coastlines, holds a special place in Marco De Vincenzo’s heart. “I’m from the south, and that’s where my heart belongs,” he said during a preview, reminiscing about Sicily, his birthplace. But his connection stretches beyond just Sicily—it reaches places like Andalusia, Seville, and Greece. He left Sicily young, but there’s something about it that keeps pulling him back. Agaves were everywhere during his childhood, and they’ve become a symbol of rebirth for him. When they die, they make room for something new. He sees this as a metaphor for fashion’s constant cycle of renewal—out with the old, in with the new.

The collection didn’t stick to any one location or influence—it was more of a southern European vibe, but with a broad, non-specific brush. De Vincenzo blended these cultural inspirations seamlessly, diving headfirst into a maximalist mix with sexy, boho undertones. The colors? Bold and saturated, like bursts of life, while the prints felt larger than life, with abstract florals that almost gave off a trippy, pagan vibe. The silhouettes were all about sensuality, hugging and skimming the body with flared, flamenco dancer-inspired shapes. And the fabrics? Think lace, rich embroidery, lamination, and dark, sheer layers that added a bit of mystery and allure.

This collection was visually stunning—more opulent, more sensual than you’d typically expect from Etro. And then there was the soundtrack… Sardinian musician Daniela Pes performed live, mixing electronic beats with female vocalists and these haunting, ancient Gallurese lyrics. It was powerful, almost overwhelming, and it really added this otherworldly energy to the whole experience.