Alessandro Dell’Acqua has always navigated the fashion landscape with a touch that merges his southern roots with a distinctive, contemporary flair. Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, he first emerged on the Milan fashion scene in 1996 with his label’s debut collection, titled “Punk on a Mediterranean Woman” — a bold declaration of his design ethos. It was a blend of rebellious spirit and classic Italian sensuality, echoing Dell’Acqua’s fascination with cinema and his refined sense of eveningwear. Over the years, his eponymous brand became a staple for its ethereal cocktail dresses, worn by everyone from Winona Ryder to Iman.
But in 2009, Dell’Acqua’s journey took a dramatic turn when he publicly broke from his namesake brand, citing a lack of creative control and production issues with his former partners. Rather than retreat, he pivoted to new ventures. By 2010, Dell’Acqua had introduced No. 21—a label that would come to embody his signature aesthetic but with a more grounded, modern sensibility. Named after his lucky number and birthdate, No. 21 quickly gained momentum, blending a pragmatic take on luxury with just enough glamour to make it feel fresh. Menswear followed soon after, and boutiques sprouted in Milan and Tokyo, turning No. 21 into a global statement.
His time at Rochas, from 2013 to 2019, showcased his versatility—balancing heritage Parisian codes with his personal vision of femininity. The same forward momentum led to collaborations with Tod’s in 2018, as part of their “Factory” initiative, which sought to rejuvenate the storied shoe brand through a series of modern capsules. Today, Dell’Acqua remains a designer who never lets nostalgia define him—he’s always searching for the next chapter, the next evolution, keeping his eye firmly on what’s now and what’s next.