Founded in 2016, Milan-based fashion brand ACT  N°1 draws inspiration from the multicultural heritage and childhood memories of its founder and creative director, Luca Lin. As a Chinese-Italian designer, Lin envisions fashion as a dialogue between cultures and belief systems, celebrating diversity and the multifaceted nature of human identity.

ACT  N°1 positions itself as a platform for social commentary, using fashion to amplify marginalized voices and address pressing global issues such as child marriage, gender inequality, and the deconstruction of stereotypes. The brand’s iconic ruffle jacket has become a defining symbol of this mission—a bold protest against child marriage and a visual statement of visibility for those too often unheard. Each collection reinforces the belief that fashion can be both aesthetically compelling and activist-driven.

At the core of ACT  N°1’s creative process lies an ongoing exploration of shape, construction, and pattern-making. Starting from classic garments and traditional tailoring codes, the brand reinterprets silhouettes through unexpected volumes, layered structures, and experimental cuts. This approach challenges conventions while maintaining a strong connection to sartorial heritage, transforming everyday archetypes into expressive, contemporary statements.

Over the years, ACT  N°1 has expanded its creative universe through collaborations with internationally recognized brands, including Swarovski, Crocs, and OPPO. In 2023, the brand’s runway show was supported by Valentino and Pierpaolo Piccioli, further cementing ACT  N°1’s position within the global fashion conversation.

Driven by a commitment to material research and craftsmanship, ACT  N°1 was selected as a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize in 2025. Sustainability remains central to the brand’s ethos, with a focus on responsible practices such as using natural dyes and Italian deadstock fabrics, transforming surplus materials into garments rich in cultural and emotional significance.

ACT  N°1’s uncompromising visual identity has captured the attention of leading stylists and global celebrities. The brand has been worn by figures including Beyoncé, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Sharon Stone, Lady Gaga, Zara Larsson, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Jared Leto, Kylie Minogue, Lauryn Hill, and Young Miami, notably appearing at the Met Gala 2023.