Words by Vera Fortun Marco

Eds. Mistral Zerbi

Dsquared2 has done it again. They have shaken us to our core with their fierceness, and unapologetic camp styles this Milan Fashion Week. Picture this: A grunge nightclub in the dark streets of a bustling city. Risqué garments and VIP guests. Two brothers celebrating “3 decades of iconic style”. With iconic celebrity attendees, the runway became “the best dressed and best-attended party ever” ready to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Caten brothers’ brand. From 90s supermodel Naomi Campbell to modern-day celebrities like viral Tiktoker Bach Buquen, the cast for this year’s fashion show truly captures the evolution of our society. Likewise, the combination of denim, leather, fur and transparencies calls to mind the past, present and future of the brand.

As described by the Dsquared 2 team themselves, “these characters (played by the models) embody signature archetypes from the brand’s storied history - Canadian cowboys, disco queens, glam rockers, leather scenesters, red-carpet starlets - while also proudly paving the way for its next era.” No wonder this show is all anybody (including me) can talk about! I have been infatuated by this collection since its release on the 25th of February, so let me give you a rundown of my favourite Dsquared characters.

Irina Shayk’s character is everything we could ever want. Y2K meets 80s grunge in this stunning fishnet dress, styled with a large puffer and camp fur hat for an iconic look. Reminiscent of the brand’s 2000 Fall/winter collection, it truly encapsulates the first decade of Dsquared2. Bold, camp and shocking. As well as the first decade of the supermodel’s career who became renowned in the international sphere in 2007, as the face of Intimissimi.

Fur and leather with a Western touch are characteristic of this collection. A unique combination of two trends that have been ruling the internet recently, and who better to represent this than new fashion icon Alex Consani? Consani made history in 2015 when she became the youngest trans model at only age 12. Through TikTok and her contract with IMG models, Alex Consani has quickly become one of the most recognised faces in the fashion industry, and after seeing her on the Dsquared 2 runway I completely understand why.

Like the outfits in the collection, her walk is fierce and powerful, foreshadowing a new era in the fashion industry and Dsquared2.

Details, details, details! Worn by Kit Butler and Colin Jones, this Canadian Cowboy Rockstar love affair is by far one of my favourite moments from the show. From the matching western belts, with ‘Dsquared’ engraved on them, to the intricate leather and stud details scattered across both outfits, one can stare at this pair for hours. Maintaining the key Dsquared2 essence with the denim and leather, the designers really outdid themselves with these pieces, giving us an elevated version of the double denim matching look worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards.

Bringing the attention back to the nightclub scene, this purple glitter jumpsuit paired with a matching fur hair piece cannot scream Disco Queen louder! The fur in the headpiece subtly integrates the outfit with the rest of the collection, whilst still allowing the colour and brightness of the accessories to set this character apart from the rest.

Dsquared2 is all about camp statements and what better way to remind us of this than making a clear reference to one of the most famous rock bands of the 70s? This collection is clearly focusing on integrating all the Dsquared2 elements and this trio perfectly showcases the evolution of the brand’s male lines. Classic tailored shapes referencing the earlier stages of Dsquared and drama in the form of sky-high heels and face makeup, a curious mix that not many designer brands could pull off.

The designers not only wanted to pay homage to their previous 30 years but also made a clear statement about the brand’s future: ‘We are not going anywhere!’

The Caten brothers have made it clear to us that they not only understand pop culture but can also elevate our favourite outfits with their unique Dsquared touch. Not only does their cast include new celebrities like TikToker Kit Price and Bach, but their designs also evoke our celebrities’ most iconic looks. This one in particular, worn by Amelia Gray, reminds me of Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s 2019 Met Gala Camp look. Pairing pop culture with the brand’s ethos.

Grand Finale.

The show ended as creatively as it started, with the two designers being escorted by the Fashion Police onto the runway in elegant suits and dramatic heels. And no wonder because it should be illegal to make clothes that look that good! A perfect ending sending the message that these twins are still active after 30 years, and can’t wait to continue revolutionising the fashion industry on their own terms.

Thirty Years of Double Trouble… And Still Going