Interview with Alessandro Dell'Acqua / N°21. Illustration by Anna Higgie

04/02/2014

The last year has seen the brand N°21 reach global success following the launch of its first menswear collection in January and the debut Paris fashion show catwalk of its founder as the Rochas creative director. Alessandro Dell'Acqua is having an extraordinary season which has asserted his style as a sensitive and mature name in today’s fashion world.

With N°21 you aim to clothe real women, and they clearly appreciate it. How did you win them over?

I decided to create a realistic, portable fashion without making it banal or predictable. Particular attention was given to the proportions, an aspect held very dear in the world of female fashion. The N°21 collection has won over real women because it offers clothing with clean, simple lines with desirable textiles, all combined in unexpected ways – almost 'wrong'. I'm searching for the 'perfect mistake'.

Your creative direction for Rochas adds another Italian name to the list of designers working in Paris. Does this mean Italian designers are still the best?

This demonstrates that 'Made in Italy', and Italian talent, continue to provide a reputation that speaks volumes. Being called upon to head up to manage the design of such a prestigious brand as Rochas has made me very proud.

The advent of social and web media has shaken the world of print. Is this an opportunity to modernise the provision of information?

Social media has led to a demand for instant information; news is available at any time, in real time. I admit I'm personally fascinated by this phenomenon that is always advancing, but at the same time, I can't resist the sensation of leafing through the pages of a fashion magazine or review.

What's the item of clothing you wish you had invented?

The slip. It's the best expression of my concept of femininity: it doesn't "shout", but hides away, a secret ready to surprise.

What do you see as the future for fashion, and for Italian fashion in particular?

I'd like Italian fashion, and its protagonists, returned to dictating style trends all over the world; I'd like a Milan fashion week that is stronger and more incisive; I'd like to see young talents succeed in making their own way and leaving their own mark on the market.