“If you can get yourself through a door you can get yourself through life. The thing is believing enough in yourself than the person at that door – letting the person that’s judging you know that you need to be on the other side.”
Early life and Career
Born on December 19, 1965, to an Italian welder father and English mother, Dean and Dan Catenacci, as their surname was then, grew up in Willowdale, Ontario. The youngest of nine children, they found early inspiration in female family members. “I think growing up with five sisters has had a big influence on us,” remembers Dan. “(They) were a lot older than us and there was always somebody shopping for a prom dress.” The boys were also surrounded by the culture of their Italian roots, which eventually led to them to choose Milan as the home for their first flagship store, which opened in 2007.
They started their path in fashion at the Parson’s School of Design in New York City in 1984. Eight years later, the Canadian duo moved to Italy with their sights set on creating their brand. After collaborating with some of Italy’s most celebrated fashion houses, in 1995 the designers presented their first men’s collection under the label Dsquared2. The presentation marked the debut of Dsquared2’s runway show extravaganzas, which captured the attention of journalists and buyers from around the world.
Exclusive fashion style
Dsquared2’s philosophy is an edgy mix of Canadian iconography, refined Italian tailoring and playful sensuality. The collections are a seamless melding of contrasts: sporty and glamorous, laidback and extravagant, masculine and feminine, creating a distinctive concept of alternative luxury. Dean and Dan Caten divide their lives between Milan and London, and the Dsquared2 collections are produced in Italy, giving rise to the brand’s motto of “Born in Canada, Living in London, Made in Italy”.
Their designs have been worn by Britney Spears, Madonna, Tokio Hotel’s lead singer Bill Kaulitz, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, Ricky Martin, Nicolas Cage, and Lenny Kravitz. They have been featured on America’s Next Top Model and they appeared in the music video for Fergie’s “Clumsy” and The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”.
In 2006, the brothers were selected to design the new official uniforms for football team Juventus. In March 2008, the Catens signed an agreement to design sunglasses with Marcolin, an Italian sunglasses and spectacle manufacturer.
