Dean and Dan Caten took a pragmatic approach, trading their riotous mashups for “something simpler.” Minimalism will never be their favorite, but resort was probably the closest they came to a sober look.
“Where am I going, what do I need?” was the question that framed the Catens’ mentality, a preoccupation that somehow reflects contemporary fashion, where creativity often takes on a problem-solving nuance. Fancy corpcore à la Dsquared2? Pair a fitted blazer with cargo shorts and a sexy bralette, or pair it with a strapless leather mini dress. “Our girls own their appearance,” the Catens said. No doubt about that. Everyday city uniforms for boys were on the same relaxed wavelength, added with a touch of brashness; sporty and tailored pieces were infused with cool ripped and faded denims and herringbone field jackets, military green textured nylon bombers and streamlined anoraks/overcoats that exuded a sartorial vibe.
The Canadian outdoors are never far from the Catens’ imaginations, and weekend hiking adventures were back on the agenda this season. The designers tapped into their repertoire of grungy, vintage casual wear; an Invicta collaboration from fall 2022 was updated for both genders: stonewashed T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, backpacks and belt bags were adorned with washed and faded co-logos. Elsewhere, plaid shirts, belted denim jackets over sloppy low-rise chinos, patched-on oversized cargo pants and roomy shorts made for a sassy camping parade.
The seamless transition from Canadian trails to the red carpet is easy for the Caten twins, who are notorious party lovers. The evening is a hot, sneaky affair for them. Tight brocade tuxedos, denims with crystal studs and Western shirts in sheer black chiffon with lace inserts created a ‘midnight cowboy twang’; girls took on a siren look, with sleek black and white tailoring, tight mini dresses and provocative floor-length one-shoulder dresses. It’s Catens’ version of ‘modern black-tie glamour’.
