Dsquared2 Breaks with Staff International and Faces Legal Action

Dsquared2 terminates its licensing agreement with Staff International, which responds with a lawsuit, sparking a legal dispute in the fashion industry.

The iconic fashion brand Dsquared2, led by twins Dean and Dan Caten, has decided to end its licensing agreement with Staff International SpA ahead of its expiration in 2027. This decision, effective immediately, marks a new chapter for the brand, which aims to take full control of its production and distribution starting with the pre-spring 2026 collection.

However, Staff International has quickly responded by filing a lawsuit with the Court of Milan against Grascoe Holdings Limited, Dsquared2 Trademarks Limited, and the designers themselves. The Italian company argues that the contract is still valid and must be honoured until its natural expiration, rejecting any possibility of early termination.

The legal dispute unfolds at a pivotal moment for Dsquared2, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary following a successful show in Milan. With a history defined by the fusion of its Canadian roots with Italian tailoring and a bold style, the brand has solidified its identity in the industry.

As the legal battle progresses, the future of Dsquared2’s production and distribution remains uncertain, raising questions about the impact this separation will have on the brand and its upcoming releases.