We round-up some of our favourite pieces from the new, exclusive MR PORTER x Etro capsule collection Etromorfosi.

Mr Kean Etro, menswear designer of Italian style powerhouse Etro – known for its playful spirit, paisley prints, and riotous approach to colour – clearly does not do things by halves. When asked about his latest offering, an exclusive capsule collection for MR PORTER that launches on site today, he doesn’t regurgitate the typical designer spiel about lightweight fabrics, or holiday essentials or such like, but instead goes back to one of the foundational texts of Western literature: Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses. He’s even adapted the title of this famous collection of myths, written around 8AD, to give the collection its own name and concept: “Etromorfosi”.

What does it mean? In straight-up terms, a sophisticated use of plant and animal motifs, which, echoing Ovid’s own tales of shape-shifting and transformation, subtly intermingle in a signature print that’s used liberally in knitwear, shirting and for a textural effect in tailoring. We prefer Mr Etro’s explanation though. “The blending of numerous features belonging to nature allows us to stray into a fantastic dreamscape,” he says. “The collection is designed for a man who is never static, but constantly evolving in an ever-changing context… someone who does not follow convention.”

Unconventional as it may be though, the collection nonetheless features the kind of clothes that are sure to come in handy on summer evenings, from a beautifully lightweight stretch cotton suit to tactile linen knitwear and ultra-soft cotton-cashmere trousers. The palette, says Mr Etro, is inspired by “the colours of the sea, from steely azure, to deep midnight, to brilliant sapphire”, while the attitude “means combining shapes, colours and details. It’s an invitation to not take yourself too seriously.” How best to wear it? Mr Etro is not so keen to lay down hard-and-fast rules: “The best way to style the collection is to wear it with a smile,” he says. “Because it was conceived for a man… who is the visible expression of his positive emotions. A man who is not afraid of living!” With that in mind though, you can still scroll down for a few gentle suggestions of how to put it all together from the MR PORTER team.

We at MR PORTER have long been of the opinion that the suede jacket is one of those great, all-year-round garments, a description that is particularly true of this example, with its lightweight construction and eye-catching blue colourway. Wear it on a bright, breezy day with a polo shirt, for a sharp but casual interpretation of Riviera elegance.

The linen fibres used in this intricately patterned cardigan make it incredibly tactile – the perfect thing, in fact, to throw over your shoulders as the sun begins to set on a cool evening. Wear it with a navy shirt, subtly embellished with the Etromorfosi print, and enjoy the pleasing contrast between the different scale of patterns.

Thanks to its smooth, print-splashed lining and lightweight silk fabric, this dinner jacket looks incredibly sleek, but almost has the cosy feel of a cardigan, which is particularly noticeable when you slip it on and off. Wear it for a cocktail event, or similarly dressy (but fun) occasion and enjoy the compliments rolling in. Though it’s got plenty of texture by itself, it will work with a pair of Etro’s print stretch-cotton trousers. Add a pair of loafers (or slippers, if you’re feeling particularly suave) and you’re all set.

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