If Dean and Dan Caten took us to school with their Fall 2012 collection, for Resort 2013 we were transported to the nineties. Before that starts to conjure up scary memories of your former Dr Martens-clad self, don't worry because the Dsquared² tribute to the era was a more glam than teenage angst.
The duo tapped into the rebellious spirit of the era by showing a collection full of leather outerwear (think Hells Angels) and gold chains and belts piled on for good measure. While the pieces won't be for everyone, as is often the case with the brand, when you look at each pieces individually, there's definitely something there for everyone.
We're officially well into April so you know what that means; a summer full of festivals is just around the corner and first up is Coachella which kicks off this weekend.
Unlike it's British counterparts, Coachella is one festival where you can count on the weather being good and therefore wardrobe friendly. Since dodging mud spots aren't an issue, it's okay to worth in a good sandal or pair of ankle boots this year. Dean and Dan Caten really went to town the festival aesthetic at their S/S12 Dsquared2 show so do as they did and team tiny denim shorts with loose relaxed tops or opt for bright maxi dresses that Sienna Miler circa 2008 would be proud of.
See our picks for Coachella in the gallery. What are you packing?
Dean & Dan Caten took us to the Wild West this morning in Milan at the Dsquared2 show. Denim appeared throughout, alongside tailoring. A denim blazer came teamed with a leather maxi skirt. Dark-wash denim pieces were styled with white shirts and black hats, and plaid knickers appeared, as did bow ties and black fur stoles. As if the reference wasn't clear enough, the backdrop featuring a wagon, mountains and snow.
Although the collection lacked the theatrics that we're used to, drama was added, particularly on a black gown with puffed sleeves and shoulders teamed with the black hat that featured throughout.
The Dsquared2 boys didn't take it easy on anyone for fall. Besides a Frankenstein's-laboratory undertone at their Milan Fashion Week runway show yesterday, Dean and Dan Caten sent out their models in '80s-vamp styles they said were inspired by Helmut Newton photographs. Put those points together, and the designers had their male specimens standing near the runway in metallic jock straps, supers like Chanel Iman stomping through in Elvira-ready evening wear, and overt anatomical references - specifically, spinal cords on the mega-heels of platform booties.
Dsquared2 aimed to sauce up the gory. See: a black column dress with a crystal-embellished spine over its cut-out back, no pun intended. Elsewhere, the designers added a single mesh sleeve, printed with faux arteries and veins, to an otherwise classic and hourglass-enhancing tuxedo. A palette of primarily black and red, amplified with red patent-leather leggings, the occasional blast of fur, and no-trousers styling solidified the va-va-va-voom factor. Was it subtle? No. But we expect nothing different from theme addicts like the Caten Brothers.
Kelly Rowland hit the Dsquared2 fashion show at Milan Fashion Week (here with Simona Ventura), with an LBD as her outfit of choice. Back in New York, the singer, chose something brighter for Tracy Reese.
You'll need a few things if you go camping, according to Dean and Dan Caten. Budweiser 40s, plasters for minor wounds from the elements, and a plastic take on a 'Mad Men'-style halter dress.
Dsquared² rolled out a spring collection that might be a brassy young camper's delight. We're not saying it would be great for camouflage, with neon orange, pink and yellow on offer, but the cutoff shorts and jean jackets could come in handy. Real-life campers might also have trouble with platform booties, but at least with slashed-out bathing suits, they could float down a creek in style.
Even prom dresses, complete with studded belts and lots of chiffon, were deconstructed. Have some of our fashionable campers had a run-in with unfriendly bears? We say, the odds are good.
Last night, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS research, held thier amfAR Milano event that ran alongside Milan Fashion Week. The foundation, who have held their events everywhere from New York to Venice, opted for Milan this time around due to the Italian fashion communities continual support of their work.
The fashion industry definitely came out to support yesterday evening with everyone from Linda Evangelista and Chanel Iman to Donatella Versace and Dean and Dan Caten from Dsquared2.
Now that 'Project Runway' officially has jumped ship to Lifetime, Bravo is trying to fill the void with an onslaught of fashion-based reality shows. The first season of 'The Fashion Show' has just finished, meaning it's time for another program: 'Launch My Line'.
Premiering Sept. 16, smack in the middle of fashion week, 'Launch My Line' will see "ten accomplished professionals" with "a passion for fashion" (OK) working with designers to create their most fashionable garb. Each team of two will show one look per week to a studio audience, and the winning designer will get $50,000. As for the other guy or girl, at least it's good publicity.
The contestants include architect David Applebaum, "dandy" Patrick McDonald and DJ Eric Cubeechee. Designers include staff from BCBG Max Azria, alumni of Gen Art and several who've launched private labels. We know you're also curious about judges, so expect to see Dsquared2's Dean and Dan Caten (also the hosts), Lisa Kline and Scoop's Stefani Greenfield.
