MILAN — Dsquared2 has initiated a reorganization across its worldwide offices, which will impact around 15 percent of its workforce.
The fashion group plans to let go of 40 employees out of a total of 262 as part of a collective dismissal procedure “carried out in full compliance with all applicable regulations,” it said in a statement Monday. Completion is expected by early 2026.
Dsquared2 said the decision was made “in response to the evolving market landscape,” in an industry that “continues to face profound and complex challenges, impacting brands across the globe.” The company, touting a “legacy of bold creativity and resilience, is once again stepping forward to meet this moment with determination and clarity,” it stated.
“Throughout this transition, Dsquared2 Group will work in close partnership with trade unions to ensure fair treatment and comprehensive support for all affected employees — reflecting the company’s enduring values and commitment to its people.”
While details were scarce, it is understood that the decision, ”though difficult, is a proactive step toward strengthening the group’s operational structure and positioning it for long-term success.”
Dsquared2 spring 2026
Courtesy of Dsquared2
Industry sources speculate the layoffs are either a consequence of founders Dean and Dan Caten’s decision to take production and distribution of the brand in-house, or a potential “lightening” of its structure with the goal of finding a buyer.
As reported in May, the Catens, who launched the brand in 1995, said they had resolved their legal dispute with Staff International, signing an agreement to continue their collaboration for the production and distribution of Dsquared2’s ready-to-wear collections until the spring 2027 season.
At the end of March, the Catens had said they were taking complete control of their fashion brand and that they were terminating the licensing agreement with Staff International SpA ahead of its expiration date in 2027, starting with the pre-spring 2026 sales campaign. The designers cited “breaches of contract” from its licensee, which Staff International denied. The decision set off the legal spat between the two companies.
The Catens plan to internalize their apparel business, after the licensing agreement with Staff International expires. The first agreement with Dsquared2 for the production and distribution of the brand’s ready-to-wear was inked in 2000. The 10-year-old licensing agreement in 2010 was renewed through to 2027 and was inked a year ahead of the expiration date.
Staff International is the manufacturing arm of OTB, which comprises the Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor & Rolf brands, as well as the Brave Kid childrenswear producer. OTB also has a stake in Amiri.
“Dsquared2 Group remains unwavering in its vision and confident in its future. With courage and conviction, the group continues to shape the next chapter of its story,” the statement concluded.
The Catens have been leading the company since the exit in February 2024 of general manager Ennio Fontana, who departed less than a year in the role. Fontana had succeeded Sergio Azzolari, who moved on to become Roberto Cavalli’s chief executive officer, about a year after joining Dsquared2, taking on a post that had been vacant since 2017.
