In 1995 twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten from Willowdale in Toronto presented their first fashion collection under the label Dsquared2, after collaborating with some of Italy’s most celebrated fashion houses. 

Their path started back in 1984 at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Only staying one term, the brothers left and decided to return to Toronto. Securing a financial backer in 1986, they launched their first womenswear collection ‘DEanDAN’. Two years later they were signed onto the label Ports International as creative directors, aiming to update the company. 

In 1991 the brothers moved to Milan, where they began designing for Gianni Versace and Diesel. After collaborating with many of the most important fashion houses, Dan and Dean gained financial backing from Diesel to launch their namesake brand.

8 years after the brothers journey started the brand debuted their first menswear collection the ‘Homesick Canada Collection’. Their first menswear show marked the beginning of a long succession of runway extravaganzas. Which captured the attention of journalists and buyers from around the world. Dsquared2’s philosophy is an edgy mix of Canadian iconography, refined Italian tailoring and playful sensuality.

The collections are a seamless melding of contrasts: sporty and glamorous, laidback and extravagant, masculine and feminine, creating a distinctive concept of alternative luxury. Recently the Dsquared2 collections have gained a sophisticated edge while maintaining the sexiness embedded in the brand’s DNA. Dean and Dan Caten divide their lives between Milan and London, and the Dsquared2 collections are produced in Italy, giving rise to the brand’s motto of “Born in Canada, Made in Italy”. 

Over the years, Dsquared2 has been the official designer of the major international pop stars tours. The first flagship store in Milan marks the success of many openings in the most famous cities in the world and starts the story of a brand that in itself is a mix of Canadian irony, Italian tailoring and extreme attention to details.  

Uniquely, the brand has extended their collaborative stance to outfitting football teams, starting with Juventus in 2006 and more recently with Manchester City. These partnerships showed a more subdued, sophisticated side to the brand, which has started to cross over into the main DSquared2 collection, resulting in a well-balanced, wearable range that still boasts the Caten brothers’ unmistakeable graphic sensibility.

Dsquared2 available at Xile Clothing.

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