MILAN, Jan 18, 2007/ FW/ --- Sharp and sleek, with the silver gauntlet as THE accessory, Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s Fall 2007 menswear collection pulled no punches yet endearingly appealing and tempting.

A designer who seldom makes audacious statements, Dell’Acqua stayed within the parameter of good dressing. Opening with a form fitting black soft leather tunic, the military/warrior influence was so subtle, that it could easily be missed, until the reference was once again seen in a two-tone knit sweater with its blending of colors, it looked like an armor.

It was the same feeling with the black and gray cashmere sweater; the gray was knitted in like a sailor collar, so once again, one if left to ponder if there was a military influence at all.

Still the quilted black bomber constructed with high-tech fabric, same with the red blouson hinted of men in fast track racing. Even the suit jackets were sportive with its rounded shoulders. Paired with just-off-the-waist trousers, there was a devil-may-care attitude, though once again, that feeling is so restrained.

In fact, the whole collection was all about restraint, the silver gauntlet and the silver sneakers the only concession to the futuristic trend this season. But, don’t think that the collection is boring because it does have its high moments.

Like the gray slim fitting suit jacket with black piping on the side and the white dress shirt with 3-inch gray tone overlay on each side of the plackets. Both are standouts, yet they are again few and far-between, once again demonstrating Dell’Acqua’s choice of subtlety and restraint this season.

Again, it was a very beautiful and wearable collection and would surely interest the retail buyers doing their rounds of showrooms this season. Yet, it lacked the stimulating quality of last season’s desert warriors.