N°21’s Girl For All Seasons
Review of N°21 Fall 2024 Fashion Show
By Angela Baidoo
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
THE THEME
There is always an off-kilter slant to Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s passion project, as we have had reversed tailoring and skewed centre fronts in previous seasons, but today it was about a delicate undoing. As what appeared to be pretty standard, but chic, looks from the front, were revealed as back and front panels affixed precariously with a double fabric strap, offering options for the customer to either double up with solid and sheer or throw caution to the wind and reveal all, back, front, and sides.
The natural way with which the designer plays off the innocence of girlhood, with the self-assuredness of womanhood is what creates the tousled tension in his collections. There was a doll-like nature to todays looks, a possible hangover from the effect of all things Barbie, with pockets shrunk down to miniaturised proportions which looked almost comical, but in a wink-wink kind of way, as models walked with barely their fingertips tucked into them. And the requisite bow was exaggerated into peaks or worn slung low on the hips of minis.
The on-screen adaptations of high society may also have been on Dell ‘Acqua’s mind, although the reworking of feminine and class codes is a favourite pastime of the designer. As the actresses who inhabit the starring roles in ‘Feud: Capote Vs The Swans’ have begun popping up on the front rows this fashion season, with the style of each of their characters likely to peak as the fall 2024 presentations roll on. In the world of the No.21 girl though, she is already ahead of the game, and next season she can cosplay the characters with fall 2024’s statement red and black tweed cocoon coats, bow-detail shifts, and cropped sleeve furs, with a dash of animal for a flashy twist.
THE BUZZWORDS
Girl into woman, high society hi-jinks, versatile sheers
THE SHOWSTOPPER
The best of both worlds is achieved here, as the No.21 mix of covet and comfort merge. A sheer ‘shirt dress’ with its open sides can act as a tunic for versatile layering, or with a slouchy cardigan thrown over – as styled – for an anything-but-casual night out.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
Before it started to turn up in listicles and ‘How-to’ features, Dell’Acqua was always invested in the lady who lunched, but could also cause a scandal by leaving the house in a sheer skirt if she so pleased. Always managing to evolve the look which embodies his brand, adding sass to sweetness where its warranted. So, with the release of an adaptation of the life of Truman Capote and his Swans, we can expect to see many more pretenders to the throne, but No.21 will always remain one of the best to ever do it.
