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Put on a Show with DSquared!

February 16, 2010
Posted by David

The fashion label DSquared was founded in 1991 by Canadian identical twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten. The brothers decided that they wanted to relocate to an area which was more vibrant, fashion orientated and inspirational and therefore relocated to Milan to work on their designs and launch the brand. They showcased their men’s collection in 1994 which was very successful and in 2003, they felt confident that the DSquared style could transcend into women’s fashion and launched a women’s collection and also a men’s underwear collection. DSquared Eyewear is a new range launched in 2009 which comprises of men’s, ladies and unisex style sunglasses. Like the other collections, the style is very much bold and statement and designed to be noticed and worn with attitude.

DSquared is renowned for its highly energetic and impactful fashion shows that convey energy, innovation and sex appeal which is a general theme of the brand as a whole. A runway show in 2005 for example, ended with pop singer Christina Aguilera stripping male models of their clothes and in September 2007, the DSquared fashion show in Milan featured R&B singer Rihanna elaborately entering the stage in an American muscle car which was then followed by a runway walk presenting the collection. The DSquared catwalk shows are always the talk of Fashion Week and these are designers who dare to be bold and are always striving to create the next step in fashion as opposed to following.

DSquared sunglasses take much inspiration from the 1970s hip-hop culture and can therefore be described as very retro in appearance. Most of the designs are oversized but the brand experiments with different variations of the oversized look to create a completely different dynamic for each style. DSquared uses elements such as colour, shape and theme which ultimately makes one oversized style completely different from the next. One distinctive design choice which is evident in most of the sunglasses is the use of contrasting colours. Some of the designs feature a strong colour at the top half of the frame for example and a contrasting or transparent colour on the lower section. A selection of the men’s frames also vary between softer edge frames and in direct contrast, frames that incorporate sharp angles for a defined and statement look.

The DSquared sunglasses for ladies include dramatically oversized frames that are perfect for a high fashion look with angular and wide frames and big rounded lenses, which definitely adds a strong sense of glamour. Some are also slightly more sports orientated and incorporate more of a wraparound style but with the outside edges angled outwards to keep the look chic and sophisticated. The colours tend to be warm with the use of autumnal tones such as red and deep brown as well as brown and bronze tortoiseshell patterns. Knowing that classic black is a staple and highly versatile colour that never goes out of fashion, many of the sunglasses also feature black frames.

DSquared is a brand that coveys self confidence and is geared towards those who like to make a bold style statement and revel in the theme of exaggeration and drama. Celebrity fans of the DSquared brand include Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson, all of whom are renowned for their diva-esque style and personality!

DSquared is definitely the brand to be wearing into 2010!



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Dsquared’s debut sunglasses collection!

April 25, 2009
Posted by David

Dsquared is the hip label loved by all celebrities. Their clothing is regularly seen on Justin Timberlake, Lenny Kravitz and Ricky Martin. Madonna had them design costumes for her Drowned World Tour in 2001. Christina Aguilera and Rihanna took to the catwalk for them, stripping male models and posing in a muscle car respectively. Hell, even Britney’s in on the act, having commissioned the company to design outfits for her current Circus World Tour. And it doesn’t end there, the Italian Football team Juventus had Dsquared design their team kit in 1996. For a label on the edge of the high fashion periphery, Dsquared have a very loyal and glitzy following! 

Dsquared is the brainchild of Canadian twins Dean and Dan Caten, who moved to Italy in 1991 to pursue their love of fashion. In 1994 they took to the Milanese runway with their debut men’s collection. The remainder of the Nineties saw the boys develop and grow their label and in 2003 they introduced a women’s collection as well as picking up a GQ Award for ‘Men of the Year award for breakout design’.

This year Dsquared have launched their first sunglasses collection. Paying homage to the 70s hip hop culture, Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa, the boys have created an exciting and sexy range which you’ll be able to buy at Shade Station very soon. The collection consists of 16 sunglasses designs for men and women and has been described as self-assured, vibrant and sexy’. Much like the models advertising them, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford and Linda Evangelista!

Contrast is key to the designs. Men’s frames alternate between teardrop shaped metal and square shaped acetate, occasionally with a touch of gold. Dsquared Women’s sunglasses are angular and wide with large circular lenses. They come in shades of red, tortoiseshell, dark brown and black.

Both men’s and women’s models have a Seventies silhouette and some are embellished with gold and jewels, to reflect the glamour of the era. If these very cool designs appeal to you, make sure you stay glued to Shade Station as Dsquared sunnies wil be available to purchase imminently!

Click here to visit our D Squared Sunglasses section



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Desperate for Dior!

March 13, 2009
Posted by David

Christian Dior. As soon as I hear those two words I think glamour, beauty, luxury and sophistication. The brand, whose designer was one of the most influencial of the late 1940’s and 1950’s (and one of the most iconic of our time), is created for people who adore fashion and thus Dior sunglasses are made for the fashion conscious. They make a statement and proof to the fact that practicality can easily be combined with striking beauty.

The range of Dior sunglasses for 2009 is simply divine and of course complete with an array of frames, styles and lens tints. One of the new styles includes the Very Dior white to gold coloured frames which are quite retro in appearance and the complete essence of glamour. Think Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) style in The Devil Wears Prada! The new Dorita 2 pink and brown design is also fantastic and has a funkier edge as the colour is graduated. The brown tinted lenses also make for a very sophisticated 70’s feel. Of course, the classic frames including the plastic edge Stronger style are still as popular as ever and the brand perfectly carries its own unique flair within all the designs within the range.

Indeed, function is important when choosing a pair of sunglasses but let’s be honest, Dior shades in addition to function are also heavily geared towards the wonderful feeling of owning an iconic accessory and looking aesthetically beautiful. They certainly achieve that sense of satisfaction! Celebrities who love a touch of Dior include Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Heidi Montag and Angelina Jolie to name only a few. Christian Dior sunglasses are definitely the perfect fashion accessory for those who value style, looks and creating an impact.

Click here to visit our Christian Dior Sunglasses section



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