House Takes Direct Control Of Its Collection Production And Distribution
Dsquared2 has ended its long-standing licensing arrangement with Staff International, the manufacturing and distribution specialist owned by Italian fashion mogul Renzo Rosso.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Milan-based brand expressed, “Dsquared2 Group announces the immediate termination of its licensing agreement with Staff International S.p.A. Consequently, the Group will assume direct control over the production and distribution of its Ready-to-Wear collections,” and added that this change starts “with the upcoming Pre-Collection Spring/Summer 2026 sales campaign.”
Founded by twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten more than 30 years ago, Dsquared2 credited the partnership with Staff International, which began in 2002. The brand’s note also expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the collaboration, noting it looks forward to building on its success in new ways.
Staff International is part of Rosso’s Only The Brave holding (OTB), home to labels like Diesel, Marni, Maison Margiela, and Jil Sander, in addition to handling the Viktor&Rolf license.
Dean and Dan Caten—originally Dean and Dan Catenacci—moved from Willowdale, Ontario, to New York in 1983 to attend Parsons School of Design. They arrived in Italy in 1991 and launched their first runway show in 1994, earning a reputation for elaborate, theatrical fashion presentations. Since then, they have built a thriving business, dressing stars like Madonna and Beyoncé, plus outfitting soccer team Manchester City. Their Milan headquarters, a converted electric energy building with office space, event areas, and a rooftop pool, has become a fixture of the city’s fashion landscape.
Dsquared2 commemorated its 30th anniversary with a large-scale runway event in Milan this past season, staging a show reminiscent of a makeshift club, complete with arrivals in armored vehicles and vintage cars. Familiar themes like trapper girls in oversized puffers, rockers in three-piece suits, and theatrical gestures like a dominatrix cop character portrayed by Brigitte Nielsen captured Dsquared2’s signature spirit. The show concluded with a live call-and-response duet by JT and Doechii, amid an exuberant crowd.
Staff International’s parent company, OTB, saw a dip in 2024 revenues—down 4.4 percent at constant exchange rates to 1.8 billion euros—though Maison Margiela and Diesel both posted modest gains. The departure of Dsquared2 marks a notable shift for Renzo Rosso, who has often praised the brand’s creativity as a dynamic element in his portfolio.