BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Milan Fashion Week has long been a haven for boundary-pushing fashion and electrifying runway spectacles, but Dsquared2’s Fall/Winter 2025 show was something entirely different–a celebration. Marking the brand’s 30th anniversary, the show transformed the runway into a high-energy spectacle that blended streetwear aesthetics, rockstar energy, and high-fashion drama. The creative force behind Dsquared2, twin designers Dean and Dan Caten, curated a show that felt like a love letter to their rebellious, youthful roots. With a set designed to resemble a raw, edgy New York City block party–complete with hot rods and an atmosphere teeming with excitement–the collection showcased the brand’s signature fusion of sportswear, grunge, and couture. Models strutted in corsets over denim micro-shorts, oversized outerwear draped over sheer gowns, and dramatic leather pieces paired with knee-high boots. It was an audacious display of fashion’s ability to transcend time while celebrating nostalgia.
But beyond the clothes, what truly set the night apart was the star power that ignited the runway. From Doechii’s electrifying opening to Naomi Campbell’s show-stopping finale, the event was a meeting point for music and fashion’s most celebrated figures.
From the moment Doechii stepped onto the runway, it was clear this wasn’t just another fashion show. The Grammy-winning rapper, often lauded for her bold artistic presence, made an entrance that instantly set the tone for the night. Emerging from an armored vehicle–a nod to an iconic 2003 Dsquared2 runway moment–Doechii exuded pure star power. Dressed in an edgy yet playful ensemble consisting of a green corset layered over a graphic tee, distressed denim micro shorts, and classy strappy stilettos, she perfectly embodied Dsquared2’s fusion of streetwear and high fashion. But it wasn’t just her look that commanded attention. As she strutted down the runway, she brought the crowd to life by theatrically tossing cash into the audience, a move that felt as much like performance art as it did a fashion statement.
Doechii has long been an artist who blurs the lines between music, movement, and visual storytelling, and her role in this show was a testament to that. She didn’t just walk, she performed, bringing an energy that made the entire event feel like a full-scale production rather than a traditional runway show.
If Doechii ignited the show, Naomi Campbell brought it to a triumphant close. The legendary supermodel, who has spent decades redefining the runway, delivered yet another unforgettable moment. Commanding the stage with effortless poise, Campbell stormed the runway in a lace-up leather bodysuit, thigh-high boots, and a voluminous cascade of afro curls. The look was classic Naomi–bold, dominant, and dripping with attitude. Her presence was a reminder of why she remains one of the most sought-after figures in fashion, even after decades in the industry.
The show’s rebellious, rock-chic aesthetic was amplified by her walk, which felt more like a declaration of dominance than a mere strut. Naomi Campbell doesn’t just close runway shows–she makes them legendary.
Beyond Doechii and Campbell, the Dsquared2 runway was packed with industry heavyweights. Irina Shayk, the Russian supermodel known for her fierce, confident walks, brought her signature edge to the collection’s dramatic outerwear pieces. Whether draped in oversized coats or sleek structured silhouettes, she embodied the sophisticated-meets-rebellious vibe that Dsquared2 thrives on. Tyson Beckford, the legendary male supermodel, made a striking appearance, reminding the world why he remains an icon in both fashion and pop culture. His presence added a sense of nostalgia to the show, bridging Dsquared2’s early days with its modern evolution.
Amelia Gray, one of fashion’s rising It-girls, turned heads in a dramatic yeti coat from The Attico, paired with a brown skirt, suede boots, and oversized sunglasses. Her look embodied the current fashion landscape’s embrace of bold textures and exaggerated proportions. Meanwhile, Alex Consani, the Gen Z model and social media favorite, further highlighted the show’s embrace of modern-day digital fashion influencers.
Dsquared2 has always thrived at the intersection of music and fashion, and this show was no different. The collection wasn’t just about clothes–it was about attitude, performance, and a celebration of icons past and present. The collaboration with artists like Doechii and JT (of City Girls) blurred the lines between performer and model, making the show feel more like a hybrid fashion concert. The soundtrack, pulsing with hip-hop and rock influences, added to the electrifying energy, turning the event into an immersive experience. Additionally, Dsquared2’s partnerships with brands like Vaquera, Bettter, Ducati, and Kiss reflected its embrace of eclectic influences. The collection seamlessly merged biker aesthetics, rockstar glamour, and contemporary streetwear in a way that only Dsquared2 could pull off.
As the lights dimmed and the final looks disappeared from the runway, one thing was certain–Dsquared2 had delivered one of the most memorable shows of the Fashion Week. From Doechii’s high-energy opening to Naomi Campbell’s powerful close, the event was a masterclass in blending fashion, music, and pop culture. By celebrating their 30-year journey with a lineup of trailblazers–both on the mic and the runway–Dean and Dan Caten proved that Dsquared2 is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. And if this show was any indication, their legacy is far from over.
