Excellent Palette. Rochas SS17

October 1, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

There’s a distinct difference between Alessandro Dell’AcQua‘s Rochas, and his Milan-based No21. While his more youthful brand is about lady-grunge and exciting layering, Alessandro seems to be a mature man at the historic house in Paris. But first, lets praise Molly Goddard for reviving tulle and making it a “thing” in fashion industry. The trend spreads fast, and Dell’AcQua adores it. The first model emerged in a yellow frock, with pink tulle peeking from underneath, wearing knitted gloves in the same colour. Effect? Feminine, flirty and sweet. Colour combination fantasy didn’t end here: the creative director has a sharp eye for colours, and he’s a master of combining the most unobvious shades. In other words, the palette was excellent, from carrot-orange and lemon-yellow, to flesh-pink and forest-green.

After being appointed to his new role in 2013, it’s pretty clear that the Italian designer feels like home at Rochas. It’s intriguing to see how the brand develops under his wings – it’s becoming a favourite of such anti-celebrities as Soko, French indie-rock musician. She appeared in the front row with her boys (all dressed in dresses, accidentally matching the main focus of the collection). Fortunately, Rochas won’t end in the box of brands with “nice” dresses – it’s already far, far away from that point with it’s new off-kilter nature.

Female Nomad. No21 SS17

September 23, 2016September 23, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Alessandro Dell’AcQua isn’t resigning from his signature touches this season, like the ethernally chic macramé lace skirts or feather-trimmed tops. Simultaneously, he’s ready for introducing new attitude to his label: No21 has never been so athleisure-wise as it’s now for spring-summer 2017. Breaking down the first looks, it’s easy to spot the designer’s obsession with modernistic mesh, as it appeared everywhere, from the hems on loose dresses to sporty t-shirts. Hoodies are wherever you turn this season, but Dell’AcQua didn’t feel discouraged with that fact. His version, in lace and with a pastel-green zip, is über-cool. But it’s not only about the current street-wise mood at No21. Multi-printed, patchwork skirts and dresses suggested the look of a modern-day nomad who’s prepared for every day’s adventures. Care-free and optimistic, she wears her awakening tassels, opulent embellishments and gypsy-esque florals with grace. Also, I loved the way how Alessandro played with footwear: his kitten-heels were taped with fluorescent bows and, as usual in case of Dell’AcQua, were styled with beige socks. Pastel-pink loving No21 girl for spring dramatically differs from the sharp, grunge roxette we’ve seen for autumn. Oh, and the sunglasses line was a pretty new addition, too! Made in collaboration with the one and only, Linda Farrow.

No21 Pre-Fall’16 Collages

July 28, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Autumn is just a step away (read: September is coming, people!), and pre-fall 2016 is gradually arriving at Concept 21 Store! Specifically, I’m talking about No21 and its eclectic wardrobe of semi-denim trousers, striped, rib-knits, over-sized dresses in military hues, and soft, lace shirts designed by Alessandro Dell’AcQua. For this occasion, I’ve prepared a set of collages which reflect the mood of the collection – romantic, feminine, with an evening, soigné manner. Every collage is a separate story, matching the attitude of a given outfit. Wolfgang Tillmans photo of a rusty winow is the background for a badass, shearling biker jacket and an embroidered, blue shirt. Voluminous, beige coat instantly associates with Charlotte Gainsbourg’s elusive, French personality. This season’s woman presented by No21 is like a cat – she walks her own path, just like the black-and-white kitty on pre-fall sweater.

www.concept21store.com

All collages by Edward Kanarecki

Spring of Love. Rochas Resort’17

May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s a calm season for Alessandro Dell AcQua at Rochas. Known for his effortless chic, the lookbook is a feast for a spring wardrobe. From sensual, white dresses with exposed back to spaghetti strap tank-tops, the creative director delivers a fresh look on his well-known essentials. The never-failing socks affair turns beige, while the little details, like owl embroideries on striped jackets, steal the spotlight. As intended! Also, Dell AcQua nails it, if talking of gender-blurring silhouettes. A badass, leather jacket is surely shared from the boy, while the girlie, vichy-checked gown fetches romance. For those who love florals – this lush, silk shirt with a leafy French orangerie print is a ground-breaking choice, indeed.

Collage by me

A Big, Chic Bag by No21

March 31, 2016August 5, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

N21 it-bag exclusively available at Concept 21 Store in Poznan.

Alessandro Dell AcQua and his succesful Milan-based label, N21, is storming women’s wardrobes around the world, with its signature, feminine twist. Now, it’s the time to conquer the bag industry. Although it’s not the first season when N21 does bags, spring-summer 2016 is a break-out moment. The extremely functional, voluminous and comfortable “cabas” tote is everything. The soft calfskin bag comes in three colours (brown, burgundy and beige), and you can literally style it with anything. If you are skeptic whether you will be able to find your iPhone, chocolate you’ve taken from a brunch or other thing that saves your daily routine there – no worries. The design team thought of a perfectly fitting pocket inside. Basically, it’s a big bag, but looks as chic as a clutch. And it’s definitely much more realistic! See how was it styled back in Milan…