Click here to subscribe for free<\/a>!<\/p>\nWith 21 years of runway experience, it\u2019s no wonder identical twins Dean and Dan Caten have culled such an impressive celebrity fan base. From their signature distressed denim to fur-trimmed outerwear and sharp blazers, the Canadian brothers have been combining their creative skills for more than two decades, most notably with their much-loved label DSquared2.<\/p>\n
The twins co-founded their Milan-based label in 1995, after relocating to the glamorous Italian fashion capital from New York City. With successful menswear and womenswear lines under their stylish leather belts, the pair is known for combining Italian tailoring with a Canadian sensibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of our favourite pieces are a combination of both. There is so much inspiration from all things Canadian, everything from outerwear to colourways and our iconic maple leaf itself,\u201d says Dean.<\/p>\n
Although they are proudly Canadian, the design talents are well known around the globe and have lived in three of the world\u2019s top fashion capitals (New York, Milan, London). Like many sartorial success stories, the Catens\u2019 tale has humble beginnings.<\/p>\n
Born Dean and Dan Catenacci in 1964, the twins were raised in the Willowdale area of Toronto. As the two youngest children in a family of nine siblings, the Catens attribute a lot of their present day success to the hard-working nature of their Italian parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be where we are today without all their life lessons,\u201d says Dean of their parents, who instilled a strong work ethic in the brothers that would later come in handy for keeping up with\u2014and leading\u2014the relentless, fast-paced world of fashion.<\/p>\n
The aspiring designers moved to New York City from Toronto to train at Parsons School of Design in 1983, moving to the Big Apple at just 19, starry-eyed and destined for runway success.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always felt like we had something to say and we had a knack for putting outfits together. It\u2019s something that felt very natural and effortless\u2014so much so that I\u2019d say it was like a calling. It\u2019s been 20 years now and we\u2019re grateful to still be doing what we love,\u201d they say, reflecting on their journey.<\/p>\n
The brothers\u2019 formal education at Parsons was short-lived, however. They dropped out of their studies after one semester and began designing together for Canadian fashion house Ports International. After stints with Versace and Diesel, the brothers launched their menswear label in 1995. In 2003, they officially expanded to womenswear.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur collections were always about a certain kind of attitude and confidence and we didn\u2019t want to have that limited to the boys,\u201d Dan explains.<\/p>\n
Of their latest decision to combine their men\u2019s and women\u2019s shows going forward, Dan notes that the \u201ccollections feed off one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their Fall\/Winter 2016 womenswear show in Milan featured Victorian influences and a samurai theme, luxurious furs, lace blouses, high necklines, military-inspired jackets and cargo-print skinny pants.<\/p>\n
The Fall\/Winter 2016 menswear show in Milan echoed this sartorial sentiment. The collection merged pristine British tailoring with a traditional Japanese design aesthetic. In other words, models dressed as modern day samurais walked the runway in oversized kimono-inspired jackets and crisp black blazers.<\/p>\n
Taking their brand to the next level, the brothers recently launched a new ski collection, featuring a mix of rustic plaids, denim and puffy parkas. \u201cDenim and outerwear have always been staples in the brand since the beginning, and we wanted to translate these styles into more active, functional pieces\u2014from the slopes to the chalet!\u201d Dan says.<\/p>\n
Despite looking forward for new opportunities and growth, the brothers are not against reflecting on their storied past. In 2015, the Catens did just this when they revealed their ICONS collection to celebrate their label\u2019s 20th anniversary. Although the line showcased some of their favourite creations, the brothers are hesitant to share their all-time top designs. \u201cIt\u2019s difficult to pinpoint just one. It\u2019s like trying to pick your favourite child. It\u2019s not possible,\u201d Dan admits. Among the honourable mentions that made it into their 20-year collection, distressed denim, skinny leather trousers and lumberjack plaids all stole the spotlight.<\/p>\n
After making a name for themselves on the global stage from Milan, the twins have recently left their adopted home for the streets of London. The brothers first made the shift to Milan to work under legendary Italian designer Gianni Versace and for luxury denim label Diesel. \u201cWe always admired [Milan] and its sensibility. In a way we didn\u2019t see the challenges, but moved full steam ahead with the vision we had and what we wanted to accomplish,\u201d says Dan.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, the Catens split their time between their Milan headquarters and their London home. In 2015, they opened a flagship store in London and now they fly back and forth between the two fashion cities for business. Naturally, the brothers\u2019 global journey\u2014from Toronto to New York, Milan and London\u2014has inspired their collections. And London, no doubt, immediately springs to mind when the duo muse over their 2017 collections.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve recently moved to London so there is a big influence the city and people here have had on our creative process. Our last Resort women\u2019s collection and Men\u2019s Spring\/Summer collection are direct reflections of that,\u201d says Dan.<\/p>\n
The brothers also find their inspiration \u201cin the moment.\u201d \u201cIt can be anything from a song we hear to a place we visit or movie we see. It\u2019s that initial spark that we both feel is right and we just take it from there,\u201d Dan says.<\/p>\n
Indeed, despite their earnest attitudes, a rebellious energy lies under the brothers\u2019 matching polished exteriors. Their enfant terrible nature becomes obvious when they list their roster of style icons, from Steve McQueen to David Bowie and Andy Warhol. When asked who they would style if they could venture into history, their answer\u2014Grace Kelly and James Dean\u2014is a juxtaposition of their trademark refined taste and rough-around-the-edges bravado.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir individual styles were so unique and impactful,\u201d says Dan of their fashion icons. \u201cThey set the stage for fashion self-expression and were a source of inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the Catens may not be able to travel back in time, DSquared2 certainly has its share of celebrity fans. The twins have dressed Madonna and Beyonc\u00e9, and also famously costumed Britney Spears for her Circus tour in 2009. The brothers\u2019 versatile design aesthetic has even found its way into the world of athletics, with the Canadian Olympic team proudly donning DSquared2 designs at the 2016 Rio Olympics this past summer.<\/p>\n
When asked about their differences in style and design, the Catens are quick to describe their many commonalities instead. \u201cWe have a very similar sensibility when it comes to things like shape and silhouette, but a unique perspective on certain details,\u201d they say.<\/p>\n
Of what makes great style, the Catens respond in true DSquared2 fashion. According to Dean and Dan, style boils down to a mix of \u201cconfidence, a unique point of view and risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Certainly no matter how far they travel from home, or who they meet along the way, Canada is never far from their hearts, or minds, with Canadiana figuring prominently in their designs. It\u2019s fitting, then, that in 2009, the Catens earned themselves a star on Canada\u2019s Walk of Fame in their hometown of Toronto. As if a star weren\u2019t enough, the DSquared2 designers were also awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards in 2014.<\/p>\n
On that note, it makes sense that the Catens have a love of the Canadian fashion industry and wish to see it prosper. \u201cThe culture in Canada is so rich, diverse and beautiful. We\u2019d love to see all aspects of it represented and brought to the forefront. Although we don\u2019t have the answer on how to do this, it is something we\u2019re proud of doing through our own collections,\u201d Dan tells us.<\/p>\n
With their signature flair and worldwide following, these fashion talents have definitely put the spotlight on homegrown designers. And from New York to Milan and London, the boys from Toronto have truly made the world their home\u2014and what a stylish home at that!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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