Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about menswear, because Etro’s Fall 2026 collection is a wild ride—literally. Marco de Vincenzo, the creative force behind the brand, unveiled a lineup that blurs the lines between humanity and the animal kingdom, leaving everyone buzzing. Remember that tiny rhino head trophy pinned to his lapel? It wasn’t just an accessory—it was a bold statement echoing the collection’s wildlife-inspired theme. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a celebration of nature, or a provocative commentary on our relationship with it? Let’s dive in.
The runway—or should we say, the safari—featured mannequins adorned with the heads of various birds and animals, sparking a frenzy of camera clicks from the audience. And yes, there was even a unicorn thrown into the mix, because why not add a dash of fantasy to the wild? De Vincenzo drew inspiration from Etro’s iconic 1997 campaign, which famously merged human and animal elements. His goal? To strike a balance between classic elegance and playful whimsy, all while staying true to Etro’s signature flair for color, pattern, and luxurious textures. “It’s about the details and honoring the brand’s history,” he explained. But this is the part most people miss: the animal iconography isn’t just aesthetic—it’s a deeper exploration of instinct versus intellect, a theme de Vincenzo uncovered after chatting with Kean Etro, the former men’s creative director.
The collection itself was a feast for the eyes. Silky paisley shirts and opulent dinner jackets shared the spotlight with rugged tweeds in earthy tawny and rust tones, perfect for coats and blazers. One standout piece? A blazer with feather-trimmed lapels that screamed sophistication with a twist. And then there were the quirky leather biker jackets, evening blousons, and sweaters adorned with deer and owl faces—because why settle for ordinary when you can be extraordinary?
De Vincenzo, who’s still finding his footing after three years at the helm, admits he’s on a learning curve. He even called Kean Etro to understand the brand’s fascination with animal motifs, discovering it was more than just a design choice—it was a philosophical statement. “Kean’s work for menswear was impressive and incredibly inspiring,” he said. In his eyes, Etro embodies Italian eccentricity, seamlessly blending bourgeois and formalwear codes into a carefree lifestyle aesthetic. Case in point: the robes and pajama-like garments that exuded laid-back luxury.
When asked about his favorite animal, de Vincenzo diplomatically declared his love for all creatures—though he was hilariously stumped when quizzed about his Chinese zodiac sign. For the record, he’s a horse, embodying traits like energy, independence, and adventure. Coincidence? We think not.
But here’s the real question: Is Etro’s wildlife-inspired collection a genius fusion of art and fashion, or does it tread into questionable territory? Let’s spark a debate—do you see this as a celebration of nature’s beauty, or a commentary on humanity’s complex relationship with the wild? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
