It had to happen eventually. The explosive popularity of Crave’s TV series “Heated Rivalry” that has catapulted its protagonists Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie from relative anonymity to stardom landed across the pond. And it was only a (short) matter of time before fashion brands began rivaling one another in trying to secure any sort of affiliation with the two new heartthrobs.
Dsquared2 founders Dean and Dan Caten let their competitive nature out to arrange the Milan Fashion Week and runway debut of Hudson Williams in a season where all the stars aligned to enable it to happen. Canadian designers tapping the Canadian actor of the moment, known for his breakout role as a hockey player? Check. Get him to open their coed show that was themed after winter sports? Check. Parade such a collection in the lead-up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? Check.
Welcome to the Catens’ class in “capturing the zeitgeist 101.”
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As for the fashion, this was mainly a redux of the designers’ signature codes: mix-and-match styles; unexpected hybrid pieces, and a fierce interplay between the sporty and the seductive.
The plethora of padded vests, parkas and puffer jackets in popping hues to wear over everything — from ski underpinning and long johns to tailored suits — made for the most immediate connection to the theme, reinforced with fun chunky knits, voluminous coats and furry jackets that added to the bold, textural richness of the lineup.
Rather than merely athletic, the Catens’ spin on sporty archetypes came with patchworks of nylon and denim as well as plenty of glitz and sass. Crystal cascades covered the puffy outerwear, while the brand’s go-to denim separates and low-slung jeans were frosted with sequins for extra shimmer.
The Catens surely don’t hang out on ordinary slopes, as their après-ski wardrobe included high-shine latex looks, sexy tops with a tapering front revealing the hips and skimpy ski suits with plunging V-necklines. The sensual vibe reached camp peaks with protective gear amplifying the corseted effect of minidresses made of stacked puffers and futuristic wedge ski boots that made one question models’ endurance.
The accessories were strong on the men’s front, with two-in-one square-toed Western boots layered with detachable covers nodding to ski boots and ski goggles that could turn into everyday sunglasses, which were developed in collaboration with Carrera.
Williams also closed the show, before the Catens took their final bow hoisted on the shoulders of two models while wearing their own versions of hockey jerseys.
