ins and outs

Alessandro Dell’Acqua Left Malo Because It Can’t Afford Him

Details have emerged regarding Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s exit from Malo after only a year onboard as creative director. A spokesman for the house said that after the designer’s first season at the label, “it was necessary to cut costs and focus on a smaller collection, going back to classic Malo.” Malo is owned by IT Holding, which went bankrupt at the end of February. The spring 2010 collection will be designed by an in-house team. “They don’t need a marquee name or a creative director. It’s wise to go with a team,” the spokesman added. And labels can do just fine without a well-known designer fronting the brand. Like Halston, which has been selling great for almost a year without a head designer.

Dell’Acqua will focus on his namesake label. “I’m not looking at consulting anymore, unless perhaps for a Paris-based collection. That would be my dream,” he said. Eh, he can always go bang down the door at Nina Ricci. But at least he’s not unemployed.

Malo’s Move [British Vogue]

Alessandro Dell’Acqua Left Malo Because It Can’t Afford Him