Glenn Martens, the creative director of Diesel, showcased a bold and body-positive collection during Milan Fashion Week, marking an end to his transformative tenure with the brand. The provocative show featured models making suggestive noises amid a vibrant red backdrop, accompanied by the iconic “Love to Love You Baby.”
Martens emphasized the importance of body positivity and community in Diesel’s ethos, describing this season as particularly experimental. The collection included innovative designs where knitwear appeared to dissolve into denim and leather, using trompe l’oeil techniques to mimic luxurious textures.
Pieces underwent a playful deconstruction, with shorts gradually shortening to minimal coverage and laser-cut T-shirts designed to look like they were worn during a “morning-after walk of shame.” The runway finale saw an energetic response from the audience, culminating in a standing ovation for Martens, who joined Diesel in 2020 and will continue with Maison Margiela, the avant-garde couture house under Labrador’s parent company, OTB.
Martens concluded by highlighting Diesel’s commitment to being an alternative brand, focused on community and respect for clothing, rather than pursuing luxury status.
