Page 68 - Real Style Winter 2016 / 2017

Design sketch for Britney Spears’ Circus Tour
Of their latest decision to combine their men’s and women’s shows going forward, Dan notes that the “collections feed off one another.” Their Fall/Winter 2016 womenswear show in Milan featured Victorian in uences and a samurai theme, luxurious furs, lace blouses, high neck- lines, military-inspired jackets and cargo-print skinny pants.
The Fall/Winter 2016 menswear show in Milan echoed this sarto- rial 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.
Taking their brand to the next level, the brothers recently launched a new ski collection, featuring a mix of rustic plaids, denim and puffy par- kas. “Denim and outerwear have always been staples in the brand since the beginning, and we wanted to translate these styles into more active, functional pieces—from the slopes to the chalet!” Dan says.
Despite looking forward for new opportunities and growth, the broth- ers are not against re ecting on their storied past. In 2015, the Catens did just this when they revealed their ICONS collection to celebrate their label’s 20th anniversary. Although the line showcased some of their favourite creations, the brothers are hesitant to share their all-time top designs. “It’s dif cult to pinpoint just one. It’s like trying to pick your favourite child. It’s not possible,” 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.
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 rst made the shift to Milan to work under legendary Ital- ian designer Gianni Versace and for luxury denim label Diesel. “We always admired [Milan] and its sensibility. In a way we didn’t see the challenges, but moved full steam ahead with the vision we had and what we wanted to accomplish,” says Dan.
Nowadays, the Catens split their time between their Milan headquar- ters and their London home. In 2015, they opened a agship store in London and now they y back and forth between the two fashion cit- ies for business. Naturally, the brothers’ global journey—from Toronto to New York, Milan and London—has inspired their collections. And London, no doubt, immediately springs to mind when the duo muse over their 2017 collections.
“We’ve recently moved to London so there is a big in uence the city and people here have had on our creative process. Our last Resort women’s collection and Men’s Spring/Summer collection are direct re- ections of that,” says Dan.
The brothers also nd their inspiration “in the moment.” “It can be anything from a song we hear to a place we visit or movie we see. It’s that initial spark that we both feel is right and we just take it from there,” Dan says.
Indeed, despite their earnest attitudes, a rebellious energy lies under the brothers’ 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—Grace Kelly and James Dean—is a juxtaposition of their trademark re ned taste and rough-around-the-edges bravado.
“Their individual styles were so unique and impactful,” says Dan of their fashion icons. “They set the stage for fashion self-expression and were a source of inspiration.”
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
68 Real Style Winter 2016/2017