REBIRTH OF OPULENCE
Milan: The opening looks of Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s No. 21 collection featured a Renaissance-inspired graphic depicting a woman draped in flowing fabric. Perhaps it was a nod to his celebrated countrymen, artists of the Rebirth, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The opulence of the art movement seemed to inspire other aspects of the collection, as well. Dell’Acqua encrusted panels on skirts, tops and dresses with overlapping mirrored discs and jewels. There was also intricately quilted leather, lace panels, and shiny jacquards. Unfortunately, Dell’Acqua applied beads to the breast area on many of his tops and dresses. After his many years in the industry, he should know no woman wants to wear that. Aside from this slip-up, Dell’Acqua’s new sense of opulence, tempered with simple, straightforward cuts, worked. –Joanna Manganaro
Silhouette: Boxy / Hourglass / Wide-shouldered
Color: Optic white / Royal blue / Silver / Black / Burgundy / Bordeaux / Bright red / Cream / Turquoise / Peach / Beige
Key Items: Slit skirts / Woven tees / Quilted leather jacket / Texture pattern knits / Lace dresses
Materials: Lace / Bonded silks / Crisp cotton blends / Taffeta / Lace / Medium-gauge cotton blend yarns / Jacquard / Iridescent sheers
Print + Pattern: Renaissance-inspired graphic / Diamond shapes / Roses / Diagonal stripes
Details + Trim: Lace panels / Beading / Jewel appliqués / Mirrored discs / Contrast trim / Side slits / Quilting / Shirt collars
Accessories + Footwear: Structured wristlets / Pointy-toe pumps
