Sportswear meets chic—The Dsquared2 Spring Summer 2023 collection embraces the glow of the Italian coast. Taking place in Milan, sibling design duo Dean and Dan Caten debut their SS23 Womenswear collection, featuring translucent fabrics, and unconventional layering. The SS23 collection embodies material breath, and movement, while in duality embracing power and play. 

Opening the show with a baby blue lace top, layered over a checkered yellow and orange undershirt, paired with a lace skirt points towards the soft and sensual. However as the show continues, low hanging boyfriend jeans, razor sunglasses, and bold colors play with the relationship between the masculine and feminine—and how this line can be blurred.

There is an undeniable gender fluidity within the collection, allowing for freedom of expression. Throughout the collection, unlikely patterns and contrasting colors find their match within layers of frills, paisley, and color blocked patterns.

Micro bikini tops, and low waisted wide legged pants scream off duty surf-slouch. Metallics paired alongside checkered patterns, and sportswear sunglasses come together to create the ultimate cool kid atmosphere. It’s no surprise when you recall that the brothers behind Dsquared2 designed, and styled 150 ready-to-wear pieces for Madonna’s 2003 ‘stripped’ tour. 

Paying tribute to the culture of the Italian coast—flashes of skin peek through transparent sea-like materials. These moments of transparency, and shimmer reflect the glow and breeze of the Italian coast. The Italian luxury fashion house is well known for its attention to the miniscule details. In this case, pairing pastel colors overlaid with ruffles, eyelet lace, and my personal favorite—biker shorts and scuba zips transports the collection into a whimsical space. Featuring glossy lacquer varnishes, and iridescent glistening fabric finishes—these wet, dewey textile finishes create a contrast with the sensual transparency of other pieces. The material metaphors to the surrounding terrains can only be achieved through close consideration of one’s environment.