Twins double up as force in world of high fashion

Their professional work in fashion started straight out of high school with a summer program at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

Before they knew it, they were back in Canada, coaxed by the owner of Ports International (now known as Ports 1961).

It was there that the Catens cut their technical teeth, learning how to cut a pattern, tailor a jacket and critique their work. On a local scale of success, they were a hit -- but the brothers weren't satisfied.

For them, it was the European runway or bust.

"We chose Europe instead of New York," Dean said, "because it was not so easy to come back home."

Still, they're proud of their Canadian roots: Maple leaves are incorporated into several designs each season.

They started in menswear in 1994 and added womenswear in 2003. Their runway shows are among the most elaborate and flashy on the Milan schedule, with themes ranging from "Charlie's Angels" to "Mad Max."

They wear only clothes with the Dsquared2 label.

"We're our own customer," Dean said. "We know what we want and need, so it's all from our heart -- and it works."

The new spring collection has a campfire vibe, presented on the catwalk with Delta Dawn by Helen Reddy blaring through the speakers.

Music is a key source of inspiration, the Catens say, and they put together the playlist for their runway shows as they're sketching styles.

Their famous soundtracks led to XM Radio's Dean and Dan on Air: Style in Stereo, and now they host Bravo's new Launch My Line, which gives artistic professionals a chance to break into the fashion business.

The Catens' personalities largely serve as the glue for the TV show.

"Not only are they super-credible, hot and talented designers, but the idea of having identical-twin-brother designers as fashion hosts is as unique as they are," said Andy Cohen, senior vice president of original programming and development at Bravo.

Between their day jobs as designers and moonlighting gigs as entertainers, they designed much of the interior and furniture of the home they moved into in London.

They craft their own ad campaigns, and they joke -- but not really -- that they are toying with an album.

(Edit:Ruby)