Renzo Rosso and the Caten twins settle their legal clash

Four weeks after Dsquared2 had announced the peremptory ending of their long-term license with Staff International, who then sued them back, the two sides have called truce on the seemingly bitter dispute.

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“Dsquared2 Group and Staff International announce a strategic agreement to continue their collaboration for the production and distribution of Dsquared2’s ready-to-wear collections,” read a Monday release by Staff International’s parent holding company OTB, or Only The Brave, which is controlled by Italian fashion billionaire, Renzo Rosso.
 
“This decision will set the ground in a collaborative way, with Staff International assisting the brand in the process of internalization of the ready-to-wear business in SS27. The move reflects a shared and forward-looking vision aimed at reinforcing the historical collaborations among the two groups and the success of the brand,” added the release.

Less than one month ago, however, Dsquared2  – which founded by Canadian twins Dean and Dan Caten – announced in a terse press release “the immediate termination” of the Staff International license. Five days later they issued a second statement attacking Staff and Rosso for “several serious contractual breaches,” without being more specific.
 
By all accounts, Rosso was infuriated by the second release, and determined to guarantee that DSquared2 respect what he thought was a perfectly legitimate contract. And OTB made clear he was determined to contest the dispute vigorously in court.
 
A hard-charging self-made man, Rosso’s fashion empire encompasses stellar brands like Marni, Jil Sander and Maison Margiela, 
 
Hence, today’s announcement suggests peace – at least for the moment – has been restored.
 
The statement underlined that the new understanding of their agreement “is grounded in a more transparent and synergistic approach, encouraging the active exchange of expertise, technologies, and distribution resources to drive the evolution and growth of the collections, ensuring stability and cooperation and supporting the Dsquared2’s evolution in the process of internalization.”
 
However, it also added that the “evolution will be managed collaboratively, through a structured handover plan, based on transparency, respect and mutual trust,” suggesting that when the license reaches its end in 2027, DSquared2 will be free to find a new partner.
 
“The decision marks a significant milestone in a long-term relationship built on shared values and goals, with a deep respect for all people involved and a clear vision for the brand’s future. In a spirit of mutual cooperation and the best interest of both parties, the parties envision to continue the collaboration for the childrenswear collections,” the announcement concluded.
 
Born in Willowdale, Ontario, Dean and Dan Caten (Catenacci, originally) began their career path in fashion by moving to New York in 1983 to attend Parsons School of Design. In 1991, they arrived in Italy where in 1994, after numerous collaborations with major fashion houses, they first staged their debut runway collection.
 
The Catens went on to build a multi-million dollar business. And to dress everyone from Madonna in her iconic western video clip, “Don’t Tell Me”, to Beyoncé for her Super Bowl performance.
 
This February, they celebrated their 30th anniversary with an epic show in Milan.