MILAN — After a dark moment in his fashion career, which culminated with the loss of his name and line in June 2009, Alessandro Dell’Acqua is back with a new collection called No. 21.
The name of the self-financed project stems from Dell’Acqua’s birthday on Dec. 21. The first 80-piece collection will be unveiled during Milan Fashion Week in February with a small runway show.
“I looked back at what I did in the past and decided to put the focus on wearable, everyday clothes more than on eveningwear,” he said.
The gamut spans from dresses to knitwear to outerwear, imbued with the designer’s penchant for sensuality.
Dell’Acqua cut prices by 25 percent compared to his former signature line. Though distribution and prices are still works-in-progress, he said a dress wouldn’t cost more than 600 euros, or $870, at retail.
Veneto, Italy-based manufacturer Vaprio Stile will produce the collection, adding it to its roster of brands that include Lagerfeld, Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy and Ken Scott. Footwear specialist Bonini will make the shoes.
Dell’Acqua started his career in 1995 with a knitwear line called A A Milano, which later morphed into a steamy signature line. He also designed for La Perla, Borbonese and Malo.