Can leopard motifs and flashy rhinestones become symbols of a little insubordination and rebelliousness? Looking at the concise yet appealing No. 21 collection Alessandro Dell’Acqua presented off-schedule, they might do the trick.
Strass crystals applied on the contrasting corduroy collar of a nylon coat, hot fix details scattered around a classic shirt, bold faux furs and fluffy hoodies in animalier patterns signaled the designer’s way to invite men to stretch their arms after the soothing — yet perhaps too long — “quiet luxury” phase and have a little bit of fun with clothes.
Yet Dell’Acqua opted for a gentle reawakening with unfussy shapes, aiming to update the familiar look of wardrobe staples rather than indulge in new silhouettes. The old-school argyle knitted vest came in fleece for a modern twist; classic tailored pants were deprived of waistbands for an edgier feel; the evergreen striped shirt was turned into a zippered jacket, channeling a sportier attitude, while others had their collars switched for scarves. And why not have chiffon boxers peek out from pants for a pure styling whim?
Plaids, Vichy checks, mariniere stripes, studs and pops of zingy orange added to Dell’Acqua’s ebullience and take on an overall preppy vibe. The mood was reinforced by his now popular twinsets, this time comprising cardigans with both buttons and a zip to play with or doubled with Neoprene for an unpredictable twist.
