The Square Root

A model struts down the catwalk wearing a luxurious turquoise gown with frilled appliqué at the breast and along the bottom, a distressed brown leather belt tied around her waist, black strappy sandals, a chunky fuchsia knit cardigan worn as a shawl, violet-hued leather gloves, shades and a military cap. At first glance, the outfit is a collection of mismatched styles – casual with formal, chic with tacky. Take a second look and it’s perfectly assembled, albeit unconventional. Only the fashion-forward pair (and identical twin brothers!), Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2, could have created a style so befitting the word, ‘cool.’

In September, 2009, Dean and Dan were inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto. “It’s a super honour. We’re proud of our country. It’s a pat on the back that’s like one from your parents,” says Dan. Another Canadian kudos comes in the form of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, where DSquared2 exclusively will dress the performing talent during the opening and closing ceremonies. Dan says, “it’s a big deal,” and they’re very excited to be a part of the Games.

Beloved around the world, this dynamic duo rose to fame after a swift move from Willowdale, Ontario brought them to one of the world’s fashion helms, Milan, in 1991. Originally born with last name, Catenacci, the twins knew Italy was the perfect choice for multiple reasons. The move propelled them onto the fashion ladder and eventually, helped develop their edgy house of prêt-a-porter. The brothers worked as designers for houses like Gianni Versace and went on to work for denim brand Diesel, who later helped fund DSquared2. The brand debuted in Milan in 1994 with a menswear collection. Following the success of their men’s ready-to-wear, they created a women’s line in 2003.

Dean and Dan have been working side by side for most of their lives and Dan gushes that making clothes with his brother is wonderful because they understand each other intrinsically. “It’s so easy. We shared the same stomach, so we can share the same job.” And it’s a job they do well — they just added a flagship store in Milan, raising the count to eight. Other store locations include Singapore, Hong Kong, Kiev, Cannes, Istanbul, Capri and Dubai. Here in Canada, DSquared2 is available at Holt Renfrew and in upscale boutiques in major cities.

The twins love to create looks and outfits that don’t necessarily jive, and assemble them in a way that’s modern. The esthetic is iconically DSquared2 and one that the designers often don themselves. Dan likes to pair his tuxedo shirt and bowtie with a pair of jeans because it makes him “feel less like a penguin… When clothing is all one way or completely perfect, it’s a bit obvious or boring. We like to throw in a twist on something; something unexpected.”

The brothers have a celebrity following including the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Madonna and Christina Aguilera — both Rihanna and Aguilera have even graced the DSquared2 runway as guest models. It’s no wonder then, that DSquared2 has seized the opportunity to create stage costumes for multiple musical tours. They placed their design stamp on Madonna’s Drowned World Tour, Justin Timberlake and Aguilera’s Justified and Stripped Tour and most recently on Britney Spears’ The Circus Tour.

“We were already big Britney fans and we’re really rooting for her and her comeback because she’s been through a lot,” says Dan. He said working with the laid-back Spears was “amazing” and something that he and his brother are proud of. “We wanted to do Circus and take iconic figures and make them shadow and sexual — another way of putting together two worlds that don’t enter. It was very sexual and sado-maso rather than iconic.” As well as designing wardrobes for music-makers, DSquared2 was commissioned by Juventus FC in 2006 to create the soccer team’s official uniforms. They have since been outfitting the players each season.

Dan believes that Dsquared2 would not have been as successful if they remained in Canada. “Our shirts say, Born in Canada, Made in Italy. That’s what makes us different. It’s less special in Canada because everyone is Canadian; we’re special being in Italy.” But the little “Oh Canada” in Dean and Dan’s subconscious often comes out in their clothing. They’re known for infusing Canadiana in their collections — think lumberjack fab and maple leaf chic – while also playing up an Italian sense of style. Dan admits, “our Canadian vision is what separates us from everyone else.”

Look out for DSquared2’s new optical collection and their TV show on Bravo. As Dan says, “it’s a good moment for Dean and Dan.” •