Interview with Dean & Dan Caten - Illustration by Anna Higgie

02/25/2014

A mix of formal and streetwear that’s winning over the younger generation. Headquarters in Via Ceresio with a new top floor panoramic restaurant. For twins Dean and Dan Caten, designers of DSquared2, fashion is the reflection of a cosmopolitan spirit, a melting pot of knowledge and creativity transcending boundaries. Just like them: born in Canada, living in London, made in Italy. Just a few hours before their runway show tomorrow at 9.30 am, we interviewed them exclusively for our website.

What is a fashion designer today? Your personal definition.

A fashion designer is a person who knows how to keep ahead of the trends, who can see the signs and knows in advance what will be cool in a few months. Today, being a fashion designer means so many things, even knowing how to have fun with styling.

Working as a duo and consolidating a creative vision. Do you ever disagree? How do you split up your roles?

We are more than a duo: we are identical twins and this definitely helps us in our professional life. The creative process is never interrupted. Sometimes we disagree but when something doesn’t convince either of us, we prefer to find an alternative solution.

Of the social networks, which one do you think has the most potential for growth?

We’re very active on social networks, we have a Facebook profile and we are constantly tweeting. Our fans like to follow us even in our private lives. Out of the social media, maybe the one with the most potential for growth at the moment is Instagram because it communicates through images. It’s a similar language to ours and is easy and immediate.

Ceresio 7 looks out over the skyscrapers of new Milan. In the geography of the city, which areas are the most interesting at the moment?

One of the most interesting areas now is definitely Porta Nuova. The buildings of new Milan have changed the skyline of the city making it more interesting. With the restoration of the former Enel building and the opening of Ceresio 7, we also feel that we have contributed to the revival of this area rich in history and tradition.

What would you like to see in the future of fashion, and Italian fashion?

We expect to see a great deal, especially from the younger generation. To our youngest contributors, we always say: The sky’s the limit! Believe in your dreams and you will achieve them.