By: Roman Kozak

Before Men’s Fashion Week, I had an opportunity to shoot one of The Fashion Plate magazine’s “most wanted” pages and the main feature of that shoot was a bag from No.21. You will see it in our first print edition; I can assure you it’s fabulous! When I went to return the bag to the press office, a very kind manager gave me an invitation to the presentation of the No.21 Spring/Summer 2017 men’s collection during the Milan Fashion Week.

It was pleasant to have the possibility to see something new for my wardrobe, as I have recently separated from my girlfriend who’d inspired me to write my last No21 review, “Wearing it For Her”… But now that my relationship status has changed I’m open to new ideas for my wardrobe.

On that rainy Sunday in June I went to Riccardo Grassi’s showroom where No.21 is located. And I noticed there was such a hospitable and warm atmosphere. Alfredo, the representative manager of the brand, met me at the entrance and invited me inside to show me the new collection. This season, No.21 decided not to do a fashion show, but instead gave guests the opportunity to get a closer look at the collection; presentation style. The reasoning behind this was that the pieces are so rich in detail a closer look is most important.

The new No.21 Spring/Summer Men’s collection for 2017 is a bit provocative; as I take a look around I image the clothes in my wardrobe.  I want them to open my summer adventures, to show my open-minded personality and recently single status… I am a lonely boy now, I imagine I would go out in the early morning to breathe in the not-yet-crowded city wearing the green jacket with the white zigzag lines and sculptural-floral prints. Underneath I would wear a beautiful grass-green, sleeveless, lace shirt with light black pants since the temperature fluctuates so often in Milan, if needed I could take off the jacket if it got too warm.

 

And if I were to go for a walk somewhere near Como Lake I would choose this tech nylon jacket with beaded patch decor and with silver metallic trim and I’d pair it with these orange or green pants, which in my opinion, bring about a holiday look. The collection also features some nice shirts with iconic prints as this one with Elvis.

 

As I look at the presentation, the No.21 new Hawaiian print shirts and tartan plaid shirts with color-contrast doubling could also emphasize my summer look.

 

In case of a chilly evening wind or a summer rain No.21 in collaboration with K.WAY created a collection of raincoats, which can be worn either by man or woman. I would wear a reversible one in one of the signature No.21 colors.

Usually on the weekends I like to have brunch outside in a wooded area to catch a whiff of fresh air. For weekends like this I would chose a floral print T-shirt, menthol sweater with the volumetric No.21 logo and beige pants. It would be so great to relax in a big chair with a plate of waffles and a big cup of latte macchiato…

Now I want to tell you something that the head designer of the brand, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, shared with us about this collection.

«I got my initial impetus from the need to rebuild a men’s wardrobe containing my favorite items. My fashion vision for men has never strayed from my own personal attitude toward dressing, which is why I created clothes that at once capture an easy, casual feel and make the most of recherché fabrics and prints, embroideries and applications. I had a lot of fun exploring colors, too, » said Alessandro Dell’Acqua.

That was actually what I needed; after having my relationship end, a lonely boy needs new clothes, a new mood. In addition, I want to be prepared for a new hot season – I’m rebuilding my wardrobe now, and No.21 can help me with this.

I like how the brand redid their lace shirts adding denim passementerie trim or military shoulder straps. I would wear these shirts walking to meet someone beautiful and unknown, presenting myself as I am – new, open and without any prejudices, as the No.21 shirt is.

Meet me some warm evening at Navigli and remember what is written on a few of the new No.21 pieces – MORE…