United Colors of Benetton’s new collection showcases experimental textiles and ecological materials. The brand is creating a balance between its every-man and every-woman image while elevating its styling and innovation and combining ideas, fashion and styling while experimenting in new directions.
One is a trench coat made out of paper and recycled fibers and impermeable to rain. A papery cropped top paired with a white skirt that bears a devilish silhouette in the same material is another. Other pieces include a handkerchief skirt featuring a stylized postcard print on the front that can be worn with a flowing silhouette, or tied in the front or back for a straight look in two different prints. A check denim kilt with multi-color pleated inserts can be paired with a rainbow-striped knit top and striped color-sheer hosiery for her and multi-colored pockets on white garments for him.
The offerings mostly hew to a watery theme. There are neoprene rompers, tops and mini-dresses with oversized plastic zippers. Bold nautical looks have anchor motifs. There are also preppy outfits in clashing patterns of pink and green and a garden club series of striped embroidered eyelet layered with florals. Footwear includes platform sandals inspired by surfboards and sneakers with florals or streaks of color.