Dsquared2 has appointed former Gucci and Forel executive Chiara Baravalle as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2024. This announcement was made during a gathering in Milan, where founders and designers Dean and Dan Caten also revealed the renewal of their licensing agreement with Staff International for the production and distribution of the brand’s ready-to-wear collections.
Baravalle joins Dsquared2 after a notable tenure at the operational investment firm founded by former Gucci President and CEO Marco Bizzarri, where she led strategy, investments, and portfolio development. Her prior roles include serving as general manager at Elisabetta Franchi and chief of staff to Bizzarri at Gucci, where she was a key figure in shaping the brand’s global strategy and transformation. A graduate of Stanford University, Baravalle holds citizenship in the United States, Italy, and France.
The appointment of Baravalle follows the departure of Ennio Fontana, the company’s former general manager, who left in February 2024 after less than a year in the role. In a memo to employees, the Caten twins expressed gratitude for their team’s support during a challenging year, stating, “Chiara’s arrival marks the moment we step into a new era of clarity, ambition and energy, while staying true to our essence.”
Renewal of Licensing Agreement
The renewal of the licensing agreement with Staff International extends their partnership for an additional five years, now running until the fall 2031 season. This agreement, originally signed in 2000 and renewed in 2020, is seen as a testament to the strength of the collaboration between the two entities. The Catens emphasized that a long-term partner who understands their creative vision is essential as they redefine Dsquared2’s brand strategy.
In the memo, the Catens highlighted the importance of focusing on the brand’s future, stating, “Dsquared2 is at a turning point, and we need to refocus our energy on the brand, where it matters most.” They reiterated that the renewal allows them to concentrate on evolving the brand strategically while avoiding the operational complexities of internalizing production.
The decision to continue with Staff International comes after a legal dispute that arose in March 2023, when the Catens announced plans to take complete control of the brand and terminate the licensing agreement ahead of its expiration in 2027. The dispute was resolved in May 2023, leading to the current extension.
Moving forward, the Catens are focused on stabilizing the business and reactivating the brand, with a clear roadmap for the next chapter. “More concretely, this means reactivating the brand and stabilizing the business,” they stated, emphasizing the need to move forward with purpose as one cohesive team.
As Dsquared2 embarks on this new chapter under Baravalle’s leadership, the fashion industry will be watching closely to see how the brand navigates its renewed direction and commitment to its legacy.
