Dsquared2 took the “too cool for school” aesthetic to another level with its FW23 co-ed collection. Signature elements of teenage cliques came together to reinvent Americana through an adolescent lens. For the menswear offering, typically masculine stereotypes – think strapping cowboys and football team captains – were disrupted by the addition of ultra-feminine touches. Ditsy pink bows were delicately placed on t-shirt necklines while shrunken, form-fitting football jerseys were finished with lace-up detailing. The robust silhouettes of sporty bombers were remixed with hallmark elements of cowboy jackets, as intricate floral embroidery and fine fringing draped across shiny, structural sleeves. Low-cut lace camisoles printed with the word ‘Darlin’ were inherently sensual; a notable baby-pink graphic-print tee featured a kitty holding a knife and the suggestive slogan ‘Cute & Nasty’.

Abstract denim has always been a signature move for Dsquared2, so it was no surprise to see distressed, slouch-fit layered jeans that open at the crotch in abundance. Pairs with star-shaped patches at the knee felt distinctly patriotic while a rhinestone-embellished denim jacket and jeans set oozed with Southern charm. The womenswear pieces were equally flamboyant: camis were sexed-up and fashioned into barely-there skirts while a see-through dress with a lattice pattern made from crystals looked fit for a prom queen – and felt like it’d been plucked straight from Dolly Parton’s 80s wardrobe.

Accessories-wise, the Dsquared2 logo belts were as ostentatious as ever. Slogan-print trucker hats rounded off the in-your-face looks, as sporty socks were repurposed into leg and arm warmers for a preppy finish. Polly Pocket-style heart-shaped thermoplastic bags upped the girlish feel that featured throughout, while leather holdalls with fur charms swung with sophistication. Working with the concept of “The freedom to be who you want to be”, Dsquared2 embedded a sense of youthful experimentation into the very threads.