On February 27, 2025, at 8 PM local time, the renowned Italian fashion brand Etro showcased its Fall/Winter 2025 collection at Milan Fashion Week. Among the star-studded attendees was Kaito Takahashi from the popular Japanese idol group King & Prince, marking his second appearance at the event. The show was directed by creative director Marco de Vincenzo, who presented a collection inspired by the origins of life and mythical tales.
Takahashi captivated the audience as he walked the runway clad in an elegant black jacket, embodying both luxury and sophistication. The evening look combined elements of classic fashion with contemporary style, featuring delicate glass beads forming paisley motifs, which radiated with refined brilliance under the limelight. The jacket was crafted from botanical jacquard fabric, with tone-on-tone shading, enhancing its texture and making it dynamic with changing light conditions.
During the event, he reconnected with de Vincenzo and joined other international celebrities, such as South Korean artist Sooyoung from Girls' Generation and model Taylor Hill, to celebrate the launch of the latest collection. The gathering celebrated not just fashion but also cultural exchange, highlighting the growing influence of Asian stars at global fashion events.
This year, de Vincenzo's collection drew on primordial themes, exploring textures and materials to evoke the feel of raw, unformed essence. The runway was adorned with designs reminiscent of mythical creatures and flora, bridging the gap between nature and human creativity. A notable aspect of the collection was the collaboration with Korean artist Maria Zhong, who contributed unique prints inspired by plants and nature. Zhong is known for blending Eastern and Western aesthetics, and her floral embroideries brought fantasy to life, gracing garments and accessories displayed on the runway.
The presentation showcased how high fashion continues to adapt and innovate, fusing different artistic influences to reflect the melting pot of ideas prevalent today. Attendees noted the tactile quality of the fabrics used—textures were described as almost organic, inviting tactile engagement.
From elaborate prints to bold silhouettes, the collection had something for everyone. Flowing lines complemented various silhouettes, ranging from short and long styles to asymmetrical cuts and fringes. The use of pleats accentuated waistlines, creating movement as models strode down the catwalk highlighted by sophisticated lighting.
The integration of elements like hand-embroidered sweaters and geometric sequins celebrated the essence of change and evolution seen throughout the presentation. Each piece seemed to tell its own story, contributing to the overarching theme of the collection.
One of the standout features of the show included jewelry designs, which shimmered mysteriously. Pieces encapsulating amber with bees paid homage to the age-old tales of creation and transformation. The garments embodied nature's fleeting beauty, making them not just clothing but wearable art.
While Kaito Takahashi's return to the fashion scene delighted fans, the overall ambiance radiated with excitement and reverberated with successful storytelling through fashion. The show reinforced the notion of fashion as not merely clothing but as expressions of culture, identity, and history.
Overall, the Etro Fall/Winter 2025 collection encapsulated the spirit of creativity blending with nature, under the artistic vision of Marco de Vincenzo and the contributions from artists like Maria Zhong.
Many attendees left the venue inspired by the collection’s depth and artistry, anticipating Takahashi's continued involvement with the fashion world. This event brought forth the message of unity through diversity, showing how various influences can interweave to create powerful narratives on the runway.
While fashion critics praised the collection's ambitious artistry and coherence, they also noted the increasing collaboration between established brands and up-and-coming artists—an evolution becoming more prevalent at fashion weeks worldwide.
Fashion aficionados are eager to see how these artistic partnerships will influence future trends, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics and storytelling.