The Alessandro Dell'Acqua brand was born with the debut of Dell'Acqua's prêt-a-porter line for women in 1996. Immediately recognizing him as a new and important talent, buyers the world over snapped up the collection. Alessandro Dell'Acqua is available in all of the world's major markets, with Alessandro Dell'Acqua monobrand boutiques in New York, Naples, and Moscow. Dell'Acqua launched his men's line in January, 1998, and instantly became fashionable Italy's It Boy. The men's line is also available though leading retailers all over the world.
Several important licenses have contributed to Alessandro Dell'Acqua's rapid expansion.
A women's footwear line was launched for spring/summer 2000 and a new licensing agreement has recently been signed with 60-year shoemaker Ballin. In the spring of 2002, an eyewear line was developed with Visibilia. To meet the needs of major expansion efforts, as of August 2007 this license is given to Allison, in line with the brand's strategic business plan.
The first Alessandro Dell'Acqua fragrance for women was launched in January, 2001 through EuroItalia, and the eponymous men's fragrance in August, 2003. A men's shoe license with Rodolfo Zengarini began with the Fall 2004 season.
In January, 2003, Alessandro Dell'Acqua joined forces with Redwall Group, who acquired 70% of the brand. Dell'Acqua retained the remaining 30%. "I see this partnership as a rebirth for the collection," Dell'Acqua says. "With his background in the luxury business and his fastidious eye for design, Claude Arpels is the ideal partner for me. I am very glad to partner with a group of such importance and prestige, who are behind me one hundred percent." The Redwall Group's other brands include the hip-chic Redwall accessories brand, and the sophisticated and sexy Borbonese apparel and accessories brand, for which Dell'Acqua serves as Creative Director.
"Alessandro is one of the most talented designers of this generation," says Arpels, CEO of The Redwall Group. "He has exquisite taste and refinement, and he loves making women and men look both sexy and stylish. I am very pleased to combine his artistry with our business experience to grow the brand around the world." In the new organization, Claude Arpels serves as CEO and Dell'Acqua is Chairman.
In late 2004 the first Alessandro Dell'Acqua boutique opens on Madison Avenue in New York.
In 2006 comes Alessandro Dell'Acqua Knitwear for women, capsule of the main collection highlighting the designer's ever-famous experience in the sphere of knits.
Every year, Alessandro Dell'Acqua contributes to Italian charities to protect children, and to fight AIDS. He collaborates regularly with artists, most recently with the American video artist and photographer Vanessa Beecroft.
