DSquared2 Menswear A/W12

A bit like with Thom Browne, Dsquared2 have always taken pride in putting on a good show. Imaginative themes and elaborate set designs makes for an interesting and high tempo show - exactly what is needed at 9.30am on the last day of Milan Menswear. This time around we found ourselves back in school... at least third year of college. We were studying the fine art of Dean and Dan's Mad Men- style tailoring, low slung jeans... and how to be naughty and getting away with it! Many of the models came out smoking... the authorities were fuming!

The twins managed to cater for all types of college boys; the jocks, the nerds, the bad boys and the good ones. Parka coats, bomber jackets and leather was mixed in with shirt and tie combos, camel coats and tweed versions with elbow patches. There was a sort of geek chic atmosphere mixed in with Dsquared2's undoubted knack for tearaway fashion. Highlights included argyle knits, an entire sweat pant outfit and metal encrusted parka coats. Dean and Dan, always a pleasure, never a chore!

Dazed Digital: What was your starting point this time around?
Dsquared2: It was like a 1960s college… the boys have a bit of a stubble and a 'bad boy' attitude. The clothes are washed and crinkled, it's the first time they've worn a suit…

DD: Is it an American and English school?
Dsquared2: British…. they're a bit more cool and we have the Barbour-style jacket and the parka coats. English, no doubt!

DD: There were a few quite formal looks blended in with your normal casual attire…
Dsquared2: It's coming up to end of term for them, prom night and so on, that's how they would have looked at that time, but we tried to capture the whole school year.

DD: Is there any key pieces in the collection?
Dsquared2: The shape of the jeans was quite important to us, the quite low slung look. They were at skinniest at the knees, everyone was wearing boots.