Staying in tune with its brand identity, the Italian design house N°21’s Spring/Summer 2022 show accentuates the human form and embraces sensuality with unique pairings and skin-bearing designs. Designer and founder Alessandro Dell’Acqua finds an unexpected balance between textures and redefines what is typical of sexy dressing, in a collection that feels at once glamorous and free. 

 

Held in the Garage Ventuno, launching the show are crochet and knit pieces aplenty. Revealing crochet pants in an off-white, a knit one-shoulder short dress, and a crochet bra top and mini skirt ensemble allude to vacation dressing and are reminiscent of a warm day oceanside. In a surprising juxtaposition, Dell’Acqua pairs knits with structured bejeweled bodysuits in pale green. The collection transitions to bedazzled skirts in brown and green tones, expanding the possibilities of textural pairings. And for N°21, it just so works out. 

 

Bringing on the party and play are tops made of feather, sheer pantsuits in beige and neutral tones, and silver tassels galore. These sensual pieces demand intrigue and exude glamour. More bejeweled jackets and fur coats in deep maroon and emerald green, along with a slinky belt made of crystals, celebrate the power of a little glitz and glam. 

 

Ever engaging with the unexpected, the jewels and rich colorways are continuously paired with crochet knits and with athleisure wear. Sweatshirts replete with zippers and cutouts in grey and maroon, provide contrast to the more structured pieces. Blazers, loose trousers in grey and pink, and utilitarian cropped jackets come in an array of neutral tones. 

 

A few items—a skinny-strapped slip, mini skirt, sleeveless shirt—in silk or jersey don the word “Paradise” printed in athletic-style block script. While this match feels a bit random within the scheme of the collection, the word “Paradise” is definitely descriptive of where the crocheted knits and spectacular jeweled pieces will thrive—on a blissful vacation. 

 

 

 

The mature tones, sparkles, feathers, and knits deliver unexpected textural pairings full of promise for a warm spring or summer day off. Doesn’t that sound nice…