DSQUARED2 - MENSWEAR FOR WOMEN

DSquared2 debuted their Spring 2011 collection in their home base of Milan for Milan Fashion Week. The Caten twins collection was more subdued and wearable than their usual collections, but the clothes are beautiful and just as interesting. The twins collection focused on menswear for women while combining it with early 90's elements with the big white socks and Oxford shoes (the ladies of Beverly Hills, 90210 would approve!). Unfortunately, the designers seem to loooooove their skinny models.

(Above: Are her legs hairy?)

Jesus!

Photo Source.

Writer: Kate Murphy

DSQUARED2 FALL/WINTER 2010

In between the opening and closing ceremonies, DSquared2's Dan and Dean Caten jetted half way across the world to debut their Fall/Winter 2010 collection in their adopted city for Milan Fashion Week. Like every DSqaured2 collection, it's edgy, dark, and hard. The clothes make women powerful and in charge, while still being feminine. To view the entire collection click here.

Photos provided by Coutorture.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Loose Threads

Watch Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2010 collection on Facebook - Nitrolicious

Where the Wild Clothes Are - Opening Ceremony

Blame Tim Gunn for Ungaro hiring Lindsay Lohan - The Cut

What Canadian Olympian's will be wearing on the podium - CTV Olympics

50 favourite looks from Milan Fashion Week - Coutorture

50 favourite looks from London Fashion Week - Coutorture

Photo provided by Nitrolicious.

Writer: Kate Murphy

DSquared2 <3's CAMPing

DSquared2 debuted their Spring/Summer 2010 collection this past week during Milan Fashion Week. The design duo are home grown Canadians, but are now based out of Milan. However, the collection was less Italian and more Canuck.

Maybe the twins found inspiration while designing the Olympic outfits the athletes will wear, because this collection has a distinct Canadiana feel, with detailing right down to a maple leaf in place of a heart.

The show included pitched tents on the runway, hiking and rain gear. One thing DSquared2 aren't is boring. Their shows are often the most enjoyable during fashion weeks. The twins never take themselves or fashion too seriously. They play and have fun with their collections and aren't afraid to be camp-y (pun totally intended!)

What's really impressive about the collection are the details. High heeled studded lace-up hiking sandals were worn with thick grey and orange woolen socks. The outfits were accessorized with beaded necklaces shaped like creepy crawly black beetles. The models are even carrying beer bottles with them as they trot down the runway.

So if this collection is any indication, the Canadian Olympic team will be sporting trucker hats and plastic raincoats when standing on the podium.

Photos provided by FAB Sugar.
Writer: Kate Murphy

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

Spring 2009 Collections

Since Frida Giannini has taken over as creative director for the Italian label, Gucci has certainly toned down the sex appeal of their clothing. The label has transformed into a more feminine and gentler brand.

The Gucci Exotica Collection 2009 was shown at this year's Milan Fashion Week. The line displayed colourful and loose skinny trousers and flowy print tops and dresses. The collection had a few safari elements with some looks topped off with a trilby hat. Cobalt blues, aquas, oranges, and purples seemed to be the colour du jours.

The collection also contained this really great purse-backpack hybrid (below) that we must get our hands on. It's the perfect bag for living in the city. It's big enough to hold your yoga gear, while sleak enough to wear it for a night on the town.

To check out more from Gucci's Spring 2009 Collection click here.

Writer: Kate Murphy