September 25, 2025 |
In a warehouse-like building in Milan, No. 21’s SS26 collection, titled Layering All About Lightness, burst onto the scene soundtracked by a remix of Charli xcx’s Everything is Romantic. Models zigzagged through the guests, the low-lighting capturing the varying textures and colours. A melange of genres and references, creative director Alessandro Dell’Acqua brought the collection together through one common theme: effortless and unconventional layering.
Models appeared as if they’d thrown their clothes on in a hurry, emphasised by their bedhead hair. A sheer polka-dot dress with a slit reaching under the arm exposed a 1920s-esque embroidered lace bra. Multi-coloured brocade shorts were visible under a black sheer chiffon pencil skirt and jumpers with wilted flowers pinned onto the shoulder were tied around models’ necks.
Amidst the light and airy chiffon garments, appearances were misleading. Chiffon petals rippled through the air, resembling plumes of feathers, the red stiff plissé-pleated duchesse skirt surprisingly moved in tune with the body and a dotted T-shirt featured cut-out holes instead of printed designs. Looks were coupled with studded and charm-adorned Cabiria Bags in pony skin and canvas, while footwear included double-buckle derby shoes and rounded toe slingbacks.
Since founding the brand in 2010, Dell’Acqua has frequently designed collections that combine conflicting shapes and silhouettes, creating an elegant and contemporary blend of feminine and masculine energies. This season, Dell’Acqua peppered parts of his menswear collection throughout, merging his collections in a vibrant display of patterns and textures.
Photography courtesy of No. 21.
