“Born in Canada, living in London, made in Italy” is an apt description for the dynamic design team made of brothers Dean and Dan Canten who together form DSquared. The designers were in town to be honored with a Walk of Fame Star and we had a chance to chat with Dean Canten.
The designers, who grew up in Toronto and come from modest means, have created one of the most recognized fashion brands in the world. They style the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow and numerous other celebs and fashionistas.
The brothers attended Parson’s School of Design in New York and in 1991 moved to Milan. There, after working with Versace they launched their men’s line in 1994 and women’s in 2003. Their sophisticated, yet fun fashions infused with Canadian references, impeccable tailoring and attention to detail continue to win over devoted followers worldwide.
Real Style: I think that DSquared being such a breakout international brand really puts Canada on the fashion map. You made Canadian style cool! DSquared deserves a Walk of Fame Star and much more. What do you feel has made you such International success? What would you recommend to other Canadian designers?
D. Showing in the major fashion centres such as London, Milan, Paris will help to bring the designer into the international fashion arena. We started by showing our clothes at a tradeshow, not even at fashion week… A buyer liked our clothes and it went from there.
Real Style: You and your brother are the youngest of nine children and grew up in North Toronto. Are your siblings (other than your brother) in fashion?
D. No, they all have regular jobs. Dan and I are the only ones in fashion. Our family is why we come back home so often. As to why we are so many? We are Italian.
Not happy to rest on their design laurels, the busy brothers also host their own Satellite radio show on Sirius XM radio and are hosting a reality TV show called ‘Launch My Line” about how to become a designer. The show premieres this Wednesday, Sept.16th on Bravo.
As they say, “You can take the boys out of Canada, but you can never take Canada out of the boys!” And we are lucky for it!
Tags: Canadian fashion designers, DEAN CATEN, designer interview, DSQUARED, editor feature, fashion designer, features
Dean and Dan are awesome! Great post.
totally agreed these designers have made Canada cool
Definitely my favorite Canadian designers!
dsq is one of my lines for inspiration. cant afford the clothes, but they are great for seeing the trends, they should start a lower price line
Congratulations to Canada Style Blog. You have great content.
I read this blog on a regular basis and enjoy the well researched profiles and subject matter.
Their lumberjack-inspired line from a few years ago was so great. I love how their shows have a sense of humor, even when they’re taking fashion seriously.
he looks thin
great pic, i agree with dimedo ,dean looks way to thin. i suppose that’s the fashion world for you