What’s good, America? GRAZIA USA asks fashion industry leaders and influential voices to share their secrets to a life well-lived: from the small delights of daily coffee orders to thought-provoking literature and more complex topics like sustainability and social activism. Welcome to #GOODQuestions.

Here, we chat with fashion designer, Veronica Etro, about the brand’s Fall Winter 2021 collection unveiled during Milan Fashion Week.

#GOODQuestions with Veronica Etro

#GOODInspo
Who or what was the source of inspiration for the collection?
The inspiration for this collection comes from the concept of freedom. I took inspiration from two very strong and free-spirited characters: Jimi Hendrix and Rudolf Nureyev. I explored their universes and their aesthetics, especially their off-stage looks and their non-conformist and rebellious style. Nureyev’s sophistication meets in this way Hendrix’s indie style.

#GOODGirl
Who is the woman you design for? Who is your muse?
I thought of a ‘real’ woman instead of an ideal one and I have no muse as, for me, inspiration comes from every woman in the world. I like to create pieces for different types of women in terms of age, body type and nationality. In this collection, in specific, I made pieces for the everyday life that are special but at the same time real and easy to match. It’s a relaxed collection that wants to celebrate freedom.

#GOODMusic
Current fave songs you listened to while working on this collection?
I love so much music and cannot stop singing and dancing while listening to it but when I am working I need to be in a quiet environment to concentrate.

#GOODMorning
What’s your morning routine? What’s the first app you open each day?
First thing I do in the morning is to open the app of the Italian daily newspaper – Corriere della Sera. I always want to be updated on what happens in the world!

#GOODVibes
Who in your life brings you good vibes and positive energy every day?
My family and my kids give me positive energy through their wit and smiles.

#GOODQuotes
Quote to live by? Quote you love?
A quote to live by is ‘What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly’ by Lao Tzu.
My slogan for this ultimate show is ‘Born in 1968’ – it is also the year of foundation of ETRO, that has the word freedom hard wired in its DNA.

#GOODNews
Best news of the year for you so far?
The appointment of Mario Draghi as prime minister of Italy. I hope he will be able to help our country to recover from the difficulties the pandemic has caused so far.

#GOODGrace
What helps you connect with your inner grace and goodness?
Meditation, yoga, and good sleep.

#GOODEats
What is your fave recipe to make?
My favorite recipe to make is the chocolate soufflé – everybody loves it!

#GOODLife
Define what a good life means to you.
To stay positive, surrounded by people you love, and to keep smiling.