Text: Louise Daniel
Numero Ventuno by Alessandro Dell'Acqua reimagines the idea of 1960s youthful rebellion through the lens of feminine contrasts.
Alessandro Dell’Acqua defines femininity with a quiet yet undeniable power through Numero Ventuno. It embodies a youthful yet empowering spirit; the N21 woman embodies effortless elegance as she navigates her day. As one guest observed, “N21 encourages me to fully embrace my femininity, and I am so onboard!"
For this season, Dell’Acqua decided to do a retrospective examination of fashion by drawing inspiration from the 1960s– a decade known to be a period of renewal. The runway carried a distinct “Modette” spirit, which is considered a feminine response to the '60s mod movement but with an emphasis on the use of contrasts. Timeless classics were given a contemporary edge, adding a modern touch. The collection’s versatility and wearability made it easy for the audience to envision these pieces as indispensable wardrobe staples.
Midi-dresses in classic silhouettes were embellished with multicolored florals and sequins, which can also be found in skirt form. Sheer fabrics layered over traditional staples introduced a fresh dimension to the collection's timeless aesthetic. Most notably, Dell’Acqua doesn’t shy away from utilizing masculine codes to heighten the femininity of his pieces. Boxy jackets over quilted skirts, cropped sweaters with pencil skirts and sport scarves embellished with jewels were some of the key styling points to look at in this collection.
In the recent decade, the movement of fashion has been exploring the balanced use of feminine and masculine codes in creating runway novelty. Subcultures in the 20th century have long served as avenues of inspiration for contemporary designers and Dell’Acqua is no exception. As a designer at the forefront of Italian fashion, he aims to break typical conventions to evolve his own design language. It’s clear that the N21 woman embodies his vision—one of grace, style, and the spirit of a gentle rebel.
