Presented during Milan Fashion Week, the DSquared2 menswear show presented a happy meeting point between Tokyo and London. Twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten presented the collection through a rhyme, describing it as “Where do the U.K. and Japan meet? In a pleat.”
The clothes that compiled the collection featured obvious Japanese influences such as Samurai, Judo jackets, kabuki and anime. These were mixed with classic Saville Row-style tailoring.
“The samurai had these big skirts, with these big volumes; and then there’s the kilt and its pleated volume, and we’re matching the two worlds” said the designers about their vision for the fall-winter 2016-17 season. And that is what is so extraordinary about this collection: discovering common elements between cultures and giving them a new, global sense is a part of modern fashion that is amazing and that should definitely be explored more.
One thing that is really remarkable about these Samurai kilts was the fact that they were ethnic, but at the same time modern and masculine. In a way, the sensitivity of the history of the clothes merged with the new aesthetic used by the designers created a campy novelty that is beyond doubt remarkable.
The main trends from the collection were of course the kilts, but also super skinny cropped pants, bomber jackets, oversized parka coats, denim jackets under jackets, wide leg judo pants and zipper details in the pants.
We were very taken with the use of print. Even though the designers made use of bold prints for this fall collection, they used them very elegantly and matched them in a very soft way with strong solids.
The Asian graphics and bright neons balanced the British tailoring and visual elements, which resulted in a cheerful, yet mature mix.
In a way, what made this collection so remarkable was that the universally known classic items (which, in the end, have a limited number to themselves: pants, shirts, jackets, etc.) were reinterepted in a new, creative and original way. This truly makes for a sartorial wow-moment that can’t go unnoticed.
Dean and Dan Caten, the two creatives behind DSquared2 are all about multiculturalism, traveling and discovering new experiences and have become true masters at creating fashionable “cocktails” that appeal to many.
Flip through the gallery below and discover our favorite looks from the collection and why we like them!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What did you think of the DSquared2 fall winter 2016 collection? Which was your favorite look or piece? Would you wear the samurai kilt? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
4 replies on “The Dsquared2 Fall-Winter 2016 Menswear Collection in Review”
Having grown up with a bagpipe playing father, I am really pleased to see the kilt making a comeback–and I very much like the lavish embellishment in contrast to the plaid…..
We’re also glad to see the kilt making a come-back and to see many interpretations of it!
That oversized coat with the kabuki print is AMAZING!!!
It definitely is really amazing!