Words SOPHIE WANG

It might not be a heat wave summer, but for their Spring/Summer 2025 presentation, Dsquared2 turned up the temperature. For their co-ed collection this menswear season, Dean and Dan Caten invited guests to the iconic Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber — turning Milan’s historic opera house into a wrestling ring-slash-dance stage-slash-runway. With its red velvet seating, horseshoe shape, and eye-catching cupola, the site brought a 19th century theatrical elegance to a contemporary collection that blurred the lines between ready-to-wear and performance-wear itself.

And from the moment the red velvet curtains opened, attendees were transported into a world where hanging cages and latex bondage co-exist with high fashion models and Italian craftsmanship. The looks were, fittingly, just as dynamic and full of dualities: Lacey sheer chiffons draped over sculptural and strappy bralettes, blush billowing button downs peeking out of black leather motorcycle jackets, and relaxed blue denim layered over classic suiting crafted the perfect balance of softness and strength, of delicate sensuality and overt, commanding sexuality.

As the show continued, the subtle sports references progressed into full-blown uniforms — though we’re not sure studded cuffs and heels are the most practical. Wrestling belts, jerseys, helmets, and gloves turned sportswear from something functional into something erotic in an ode to the campy, over-the-top, performative athleticism we’ve come to associate professional wrestling and American football with. Suddenly, we’re hooked on sports – and we’re certainly rooting for the D2 team.