Fall/Winter 2009 Collections

'Why doesn't anyone have any class? Why is everyone such a pain in the ass?'

Those were the words that opened DSquared2's Fall/Winter 2009 collection at this year's Milan Fashion Week. The purpose of the words helped create a setting of attitude and entitlement that would serve as the focus of the fashion show.

Once looking at the fashion show and seeing the props used it becomes quite obvious to see who were the inspirations for the collection. With layers and layers of clothing and a firm hand clutching a Starbuck's coffee, blackberry, or gossip mag, Dean and Dan clearly based their collection on two other famous twins; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

The fashion show was a tongue and cheek look at excessive consumerism and our obsession with celebrity culture. DSquared2 are known for their elaborate and fun fashion shows, and they are always willing to poke fun at themselves and the industry that they work for.

DSquared2 are a much more casual brand compared to other couture designers, meaning a lot of their pieces are completely appropriate for the average girl to wear while walking down the street. The collection focuses on oversized scarves, plaid, large dark shades, oversized beanies and the oversized boyfriend jean. DSquared2 often create collections that are very hard, dark and masculine. This can be seen with the models makeup, the shoe collection, leather and chain accents, and feather and fur details. A rock 'n' roll feeling was created with the sounds of Robert Plant belting out Led Zeppelin tunes. The essence of rock 'n' roll was established with the use of leopard prints and oversized concert tees. An homage to Kurt Cobain was apparent with plaid shirts being tied around the waist accompanied by a light denim jacket. There is also a very feminine aspect of the collection that is seen in the long flowy dresses and the use of bright colours such as pink, blue and purple.

DSaquared2 created a nice dichotomy within their collection by pairing oversized and baggy jeans and cargo shorts on the bottom with shrunken cropped leather and jean jackets and vests on top.

The fall/winter line is odd in a way because none of the pieces are particularly innovative nor groundbreaking. In fact most of the pieces are trends that have previously been worn by the masses, yet DSquared2 manage to create an overall feeling that is spot on for the time that we're living in. Their clothing allows for reinterpretation and personal creativity. So in that case it becomes hard to tell who the designers were; Dean and Dan or Mary-Kate and Ashley?

To view more of DSquared's 2009 Fall/Winter collection click here.
To view DSquared's 2009 Fall/Winter fashion show click here and here.

Writer: Kate Murphy

FASHION CIRCUS

Britney Spears is back!
Last night Britney Spears kicked off her new North American tour in support of her album Circus. It's the first time she's toured since well...marrying and divorcing K-Fed, having two babies, losing her two babies, shaving her head, flashing her little Britney, driving around at all hours of the night, going to rehab, dating a paparazzo, running over a paparazzo, locking herself in a room holding her son hostage, getting strapped to a gurney on the way to the hospital, and another rehab stint. WOW! That's one hell of a ride.

But let's forget about all of that for a few moments shall we. Because Britney Spears is back. She has a new album, her hair looks good, she's got her body back and she looks great.

To kick off the new and improved Britney, she sought out the talents of Canadian designers Dean and Dan Caten, aka DSquared2, to create their very own circus. "We searched for a different interpretation for this tour, starting with the traditional idea of the circus and then abandoning it". The twins said their inspiration came from wanting to create something "animalistic and primal".

“We wanted to create something provoking and indecent... We are confident that this partnership, an autobiographical tribute for one that has always been in the spotlight: scrutinised, watched, imitated, photographed, criticised and loved, will be an enormous success.”

"It's a a kind of metamorphosis from animal to ringmaster to slave, in keeping with the circus theme," DSquared revealed. "She starts off with the cheetah head, removes it to become the ring-master and lion-tamer, and then strips off the jacket to reveal a Swarovski-crystal corset, fishnets and thigh-high boots." While wearing the 'three piece vixen corset and pants set' Spears is thrown into a cage while chain bound.

This job was a dream for the designers who said they are "enormous fans of Britney, and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to collaborate with her".

Some photos provided by Just Jared.
Writer: Kate Murphy

Brotherly Love

Following in the footsteps of other Canadian brothers turned fashion designers like DSquared and Chip and Pepper, Burkman Bros. (Doug and Ben) are the newest sensation in men’s fashion.

The brothers hail from Toronto and their collection is true Canadiana with a hint of Asian influence. Think of summers in Muskoka spent hiking, canoeing, and chopping wood. Even the setting for their lookbook looks like a cottage in the Great White North. Their collection is a mix of plaid cotton pullovers, khakis and cargo shorts, t-shirts, dirty combat/construction boots, and boat shoes.

"The clothes are a little bit preppy, a little bit about our travels, and a little bit about American vintage" says Doug. "When we find a vintage swatch with some interesting detail we're inspired by it, and use it to create a wearable, lovable, interesting piece of clothing" adds Ben.

The brothers started off as designers for Gap Inc. Their work has been features in GQ magazine and eTalk, and can be found at Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Ron Herman in the US.

Writer: Kate Murphy