Diesel’s latest show is nothing short of revolutionary, combining fashion, art, and raw creativity in a way that has never been seen before. The collection, titled Dare to be Diesel, is both elevated and disrupted, corrupting traditional notions of style and fashion while embracing chaos and rebellion. The show takes place against the backdrop of the largest graffiti installation ever created—a staggering three kilometers of graffiti-covered fabric crafted by a global street art collective.
With over 7,000 graffiti artists—amateurs and experts alike—from across the globe contributing to this monumental project, Dare to be Diesel is more than just a fashion show; it’s a celebration of collaboration, freedom of expression, and art. As Glenn Martens, Diesel’s Creative Director, explains, “I love that thousands of people around the world have worked together to create the set design. We gave the global street art collective complete creative freedom – they expressed themselves each in their own way, on a project that’s taken months to achieve. This is the true democracy of Diesel.”
Fashion Meets Art in Explosive Design
The language of Diesel is one of denim, utility, pop, and artisanal craftsmanship, but in this collection, these familiar elements are exploded, mixed, and subverted in ways that defy expectations. The tailoring is severe yet fluid, with collarless jackets and bouclé pieces that play with the idea of formality, combining the structured with the relaxed. Denim is not just denim; it’s transformed into intricate hotpants, peplums, and raw-cut tailoring, each piece a statement in itself.
For women, the bouclé basque is a standout piece, worn over skinny jeans and topped with a denim peplum that creates a bold juxtaposition of textures. Men’s tailoring, on the other hand, takes on a more industrial feel with raw-cut neoprene jackets that embody a sense of unrefined elegance. The collection pushes the boundaries of tailoring, with pieces that are impossibly low-cut, sometimes held together by stretch waistbands or clashing materials that challenge conventional fashion norms.
The Power of Destruction and Reconstruction
At the heart of Dare to be Diesel is the theme of destruction—whether it’s the painstakingly woven houndstooth jacquards, mistreated bouclé that pills with wear, or the near obliteration of denim through plasticized treatments. Fabrics that are traditionally considered durable and resilient are given new life through destruction, torn apart, and reassembled into something entirely new. This ethos is embodied by garments like a bandeau top worn over a basque, the denim skirt cut so low it appears as though it could disintegrate at any moment.
Subversion runs throughout the collection, evident in designs such as ultra-padded hooded jackets that wrap like shawls, paired with low-cut wool skirts or denim jeans that are kept in place by stretch panels. Leather is boiled to create a three-dimensional effect, while zip-neck fluffy knits with contrasting interiors pair with impossibly low-cut tailored pants, each piece more experimental than the last.
Color, Texture, and Experimentation
The collection thrives on color, texture, and experimentation. Acidic fluffy knits pop in vibrant yellow and orange, adding an unexpected punch to the lineup. The yellow ruffle bandeau, orange wrap dress, and little jacket with ruffle detailing are fresh and exciting takes on Diesel’s signature style, with an injection of playfulness and exuberance.
Perhaps the most daring experiments are found in the plasticized denim pieces—jackets, bustiers, and jeans laminated as if encased in a protective layer. Flocking on tulle creates a ghostly effect, leaving the trace of garments behind, while tulle itself is woven with denim-like jacquards, the fabric almost obliterated in the process.
Diesel’s iconic bumster jeans take center stage in this collection, cut so low that they are held in place by adjustable internal underwear. These extreme jeans are paired with nothing more than a life-sized plaster printed with the image of a shirt, placed roughly on the body as if to challenge the very notion of modesty.
The Accessories That Complete the Vision
No Diesel show would be complete without a bold statement in accessories, and Dare to be Diesel does not disappoint. The Double D bag, ladylike in bouclé, contrasts with the debut of two unisex bags: the Flag-D slouchy bag, featuring a wide logo strap in faux pony, and the Load-D bag, oval-shaped and held together by two Diesel D’s at either end.
Footwear is equally striking, from men’s ankle boots with ultra-chunky soles to distressed houndstooth slippers, all designed with Diesel’s bold aesthetic in mind. Bouclé kitten heel boots with Diesel’s iconic D over the toe provide a more refined option, while denim heels are designed with a matching wedge print, making them the perfect finishing touch to any look.
Diesel’s eyewear collection debuts the Liquifie-D family, with sinuous yet chunky designs in gluey tones, while new watch styles—the D-Curve, Wrap-D, and D-Rush—play with the brand’s signature oval D shape, adding a modern twist to Diesel’s iconic accessories.
A Global Collective of Creativity
The creative collaboration behind this groundbreaking show extends beyond fashion and into the world of art. The graffiti artists who helped create the iconic fabric include Farai Engelbrecht (South Africa), Roy XR Chen (China), Ryota Daimon (Japan), Phree Hester (USA), Brianna Toomer (France), and Red Longo (Italy). These artists were given complete freedom to express themselves, with activations held in various countries, including India, China, Japan, South Africa, and beyond.
From India’s store-based graffiti sessions to South Africa’s full-day event with a live DJ set, these activations invited the public to participate, breaking down the barriers between high fashion and street art. The resulting fabric, which stretches across 3,200 square meters of the show’s arena, is a visual feast, draped in Diesel’s record-breaking inflatable sculpture—the largest ever known—now completely covered in graffiti, making this show an unforgettable experience.
A Revolution in Fashion and Art
Diesel’s Dare to be Diesel collection is not just about fashion; it’s a statement. It’s about creativity, freedom, and the willingness to push boundaries, to explore new forms of expression, and to redefine what fashion can be. By bringing together a global collective of artists, Diesel has created a truly democratic and collaborative experience that will be remembered as a turning point in the world of fashion.
CREDITS:
Creative Director: Glenn Martens
Styling: Ursina Gysi
Original Soundtrack Composer: Senjan Jansen
Hair: Gary Gill
Make-up: Inge Grognard for @MACcosmetics
Concept Designer: Studio Dennis Vanderbroeck
Casting: Establishment NY
