No.21 Fall 2014 Runway Review

The Inspiration: “Real life with a touch of magic.”

The Look: N°21’s show opening number of a sequin floral coat was so lust-worthy it reduced all the statement-making coats we’ve seen for the season into whispers. Above the knee, worn over a beige camel hair dress and flat shoe, it typified Numero Ventuno’s sort of bourgeois aesthetic. Is the girl fashionable or accidentally stylish? The combination of staid neutrals jazzed up with sequined lingerie-inspired pieces gave a casual luxury. The sequined floral of the opener was shown in skirts, dresses, tops and even large envelope clutches any magpie would be drawn to, in elegant silhouettes that neither hide nor highlight the figure. One lace shirt dress faded from opaque to sheer to reveal a sequined skirt beneath. Fur, which has been so prevalent on Fall 2014 runways, wasn’t missing here. But it was used in interesting ways, beginning thin on a plaid tweed coat in a gradient pattern so that the fur was thickest at the hem. Even rough, army green boiled wool overcoats were accented with backpacks with sequin-applique straps over the shoulders. Simple workwear-like wool pants and a mohair sweater revealed a sequin shift beneath.

All in all, Allessandro Dell’Aqua took trends that have been prevalent for the season — fur, feathers, sequin appliques — and made them his own

The Accessories: The aforementioned backpacks were an excellent extension of the trend, the appliques elevating an otherwise ho-hum piece. Flat shoes from pointy toe pumps to chunky black ankle boots stomped down the catwalk.

The Beauty: The beauty look was kept casually elegant to match the clothes. Plain beautiful hair parted in the middle in simple waves pushed behind the ears, that vibrant Italian beauty in the face that seems to transcend makeup. (Usually a mark of very skilled makeup indeed.)

The Takeaway: In a very strong season in Milan, this beautiful presentation was a highlight. Ladies, take your Fall 2014 cues here.

images: IMAXtree