N°21 unveiled its Fall/Winter 2017-18 men's collection in Milan on January 16th. While the previous season was presented in a presentation format, this time it was presented in a show format. Designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua's comment, "This collection is inspired by the culture of a certain era, but it also embodies my hope that this collection will spark change and encourage debate." The "culture of a certain era" refers to the demonstrations and political rallies of the 1970s. Dell'Acqua chose the themes of "diversity," "freedom," "protest," and "unity" for this season because he empathized with the people who participated in the "demonstrations" of the 1970s. This coincidentally overlaps with Prada's homage to the 1970s this season. Miuccia Prada was born in Milan in 1949, and Dell'Acqua was born in Naples in 1962. It's interesting to see a politically charged theme in Milan, a city that hasn't traditionally made overt fashion statements. The collection combines different materials and patterns—sheepskin and nylon mountain parkas, camouflage and checked MA-1 jackets and shirt jackets, and neoprene, nappa leather, and wool coats—without being overly over the top, resulting in an urban feel. It references various 1970s details and textures, such as camel coats paired with camouflage knitwear, military motifs like belt straps on peacoats and duffels, oversized padded jackets, and layered checked shirts. From embroidered hoods and cardigan stitching to shoes accented with tread soles and studs, to the ankle lines peeking out from the brand's signature simple black pants, Dell'Acqua's signature attention to detail offers a reinterpretation of street casual that's distinct from the hip-hop and skate culture of the post-2000s. Text: Tatsuya Noda