DSQUARED2

THE BEGINNINGS
Canadian twin brothers from Willowdale Ontario, Dean and Dan Caten have operated in the international fashion business since 1984. They moved to New York City in 1983 to attend the Parson’s School of Design and in 1991 came to Italy where, in 1994, after many collaborations with the most important fashion houses, they had their first men’s collection show, marking the first in a long succession of runway extravaganzas that were to capture the attention of journalists and buyers for their perfect combination of fashion, music and theater.

The intelligent mix of irreverent Canadian wit and refined Italian tailoring, together with attention to detail, are the foundation of today’s Dsquared2 philosophy, which has given life to a unique concept of alternative luxury.

Recently, Dsquared2 collections have conquered a wider audience and, owing to their natural stylistic maturity, have become more chic and sophisticated while maintaining those sexy and provocative traits so embedded in their creative roots. This evolution is also due to the continuous international inspiration received by Dean and Dan, who, while dividing their life and work between Milan and London, create their collections in Italy: “Born in Canada, living in London, made in Italy”.


RECOGNITION
In 2003, Dsquared2 received the “La Kore” award, considered the “Oscar” of the Italian fashion world, as the Most Original Designers. Then in October of 2003 Dean and Dan Caten were named "Men of the Year" by GQ Magazine USA as the Best Breakthrough Design Team. In 2006, competing among a slate of fashion designers renown for originality, Dean and Dan won the prestigious Spanish award “Aguja de Oro” (“Golden Needle”); for the occasion, the brothers designed an outfit that will remain on display at the Museo del Traje in Madrid.

In December 2007 Dean & Dan were the winners of the GQ Spanish Award “Man of the Year”. The event at its seventh edition awarded Dsquared2 as “Best designers of the year”, due to “their ability to create casual looks while keeping the elegance and on the other hand to have renewed the elegance” affirmed the GQ director Javier Fernandez de Angulo.

On April 17 in 2008 the prestigious international organization Fashion Group International during the Night of Stars gala awarded Dean and Dan Caten together with other 4 characters of Canadian origin who distinguished themselves at international level for their contribution to fashion, beauty and design.

On November 13, 2008 Dean and Dan Caten were assigned the prestigious recognition of “Best Designer of the Year” winning the GQ Germany “Men of the year” award.

The designers have been awarded with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame the Canada Honour for 2009. The official unveiling took place in Toronto on September 11 and 12 2009.

At the end of 2009 they were also nominated HEADLINE TALENT COSTUME DESIGNERS for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
In addition to dressing headline talent, Dean and Dan also had the honour to run with the Olympic torch.



DSQUARED2 STORES
In 2007 Dsquared2 had the inauguration of its 5400sq ft flagship store, which opened its doors in the heart of Milan's fashion district at No. 4 Via Verri. Dean and Dan Caten collaborated with Storage, a new Italian architecture studio who have worked with many important department stores around the world, for the concept of the store and also the headquarter in Milan on Via Tortona 27. The boutique evokes the 360-degree Dsquared2 lifestyle as envisioned by Dean and Dan: “A taste of home, where the Canadian woods meet Italian design”.

In September 2007, with the opening of the Dsquared2 flagship store on Via Verri, came the partnership with GH Mumm which brought an exclusive champagne bar to the new store. An innovative project which brings together lifestyle and fashion.

After the Milan flagship store, Dsquared2 opened in 2008 mono-brand boutiques in Capri, Istanbul, Kiev and Hong Kong. Next opening in early 2009 Dsquared2 boutiques in Cannes, Moscow, Dubai and Singapore.