Who? Every woman likes to indulge her feminine side, and designer Alessandro dell'Acqua has had his finger on the fashion pulse since the appearance of his personal label in 1995. His lingerie-inspired sensual slips and camisoles have won him rave reviews on the runway, and have bagged him a list of top-tier customers that includes Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Helena Christensen.
How did it happen? Dell'Acqua, born in Naples in 1962, earned his fashion stripes at his home town's Belle Arti Accademia in 1983. In 1987 he landed the position of head design consultant for Piero Pianforini, and later teamed up with business partner Matteo Guarnieri, which gave him the opportunity to obtain further training at the houses of Genny, Gilmar and Maska. In 1995 the designer unveiled his debut collection during Milan Fashion Week, presenting his first menswear collection in Florence in 1998. Dell'Acqua designs clothes for his personal label and is also the brainchild behind the La Perla ready-to-wear collection.
What do the clothes look like? Chiffon, lace and sheer fabrics are staples in Dell'Acqua designs. Inspired by sensual undergarments, his signature collection includes shades of nude, oyster and vintage rosewood; materials are kept light and include wafer-thin chiffon, delicate lace and shimmering silk. A recent hit was his range of beige asymmetric ruffled dresses and ruched camisole tops suitable for day and night.
What does the designer have to say? 'The Alessandro dell'Acqua woman is a woman who wants to be noticed,' he once said when asked about his muse.
Where are the clothes available? Alessandro dell'Acqua can be found at Joyce in Hong Kong, London's Harrods and Fred Segal in the United States.