Etro is my favorite brand and I am a very loyal customer. It has been this way for years and it will stay this way for years to come. I will probably be giving birth in Etro, receiving an Emmy (common, I can dream) in Etro and on my death bed in Etro. Suffice to say, if I could decorate my life in its broad sense, I would choose Etro as My Opium of Choice. There is something really great about a luxury fashion house that is still owned by the family. It reminds me of businesses back in the day before there were IPOs, investors and mergers and acquisitions; a time when you created a company and you passed it down for generations to come, and that is what your family did and your families family. Sort of like The Godfather, but instead of guns, think unlimited silk paisley.

For years, Etro has created their own fabrics out of noble and natural fibers, designing their own unique paisley prints and color-ways in and on the material. Many of their pieces today are still created completely by hand and always with the most luxurious fabrications. I couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent drooling over their latest collections and I couldn't tell you how many blazers, coats, capes, sweaters, tops and dresses that I own. If you know the price of an Etro blazer, you can see that I have a very expensive infatuation.

When I was in Shanghai, my obsession with Etro hit an ultimate high. Not saying that I don't normally have an avid obsession, but my obsession stemmed much higher when on Shanghai ground. Whether it was the decor, the mannerisms or the architectural history of the city; the prints just fit in so well, like it was meant to be; I fit in so well. I spent a great deal of time at Xintiandi and always felt like I was the Bond Girl in Skyfall with my adventures. I would galavant to The Puli Hotel for late night meetings in my ultramarine blue paisley silk dress with uber high slits far too unsuitable to mention and then wear a cashmere cape with leggings and serious fur to a morning meeting at The Bund at a deliciously fabulous French restaurant called M on The Bund (highly suggest going for brunch and highly suggest their blueberry pancakes). The versatility of the brand, while maintaining absolute distinguishing characteristics, is phenomenal. Etro is one of those brands that you should wear twice and also be photographed in more than once, which makes it a very prudent investment if you ask me. I wore this dress when I hosted a party at the Ambassador of Sri Lanka's private residence last year for my non-profit and it served me wonders then and it serves me wonders now. Shoes are Fendi.

Etro is also currently sponsoring an exhibition and full retrospective on Frida Kahlo, the acclaimed Mexican painter known for her colorful and detailed self-portraits, at the prestigious Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome now through August 31st. Art AND Etro? Why would you ever pass that up? If you happen to be in the area, I highly suggest stopping by.

Long live ETRO.

Love your biggest fan,
Coco Zaza