Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

1 6 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I DSQUARED2 T he latest Dsquared2 women’s collection is not one that shies away from the fusion of two cultural motifs that do not often meet. The brand itself described the collection as somewhere between the ‘enchantment of Canadian Indian tribes’ and the ‘confident attitude of the British aristocracy’. Even the stalwarts of the high fashion industry may be hard pressed to find a collection that has done what Dsquared2 is doing here. It is a captivating exploration of polarised contrasts, an ode to the mystic native tribes of the Americas colliding with the noble spirit of Old Europe, affluent and powerful. The magically mysterious tribal influences meld together with royal motifs in an aesthetic which cannot be described fully without first calling it ‘eccentric’. Beyond this, however, it is also impressively luxurious, made with high- end, artisanal details. Graphic patterning injects a feeling which is both modern and folkloristic into a hooded fur intarsia coat. Gold thread details inspired by livery uniforms appear unapologetic on pants, jackets and coats across the entire collection - there are even dresses with delicate drapes, recalling classic Victorian undergarments. It is a curious infusion but one that is not unwelcome in an industry where taking risks is akin to walking along the edge of a very sharp knife. Dean and Dan Caten