To celebrate his first anniversary at the brand, Diesel’s artistic director Nicola Formichetti took guests to Venice and produced a versatile collection – Collection Number 1: Welcome to Venice, Italy – inspired by thebrand’s 35-year archive while firmly moving forward creatively.
“This is a very special moment in the history of Diesel. The brand celebrates 35 years as an alternative spirit, many successes and a lot of fun,” said the brand’s founder Renzo Rosso.
“Today I’m enjoying the opportunity to marry the company’s heritage, my personal know-how and Nicola’s vision to create the future of the brand.”
Formichetti said: “I was always interested in fashion from the street and Diesel is about that. I grew up with Diesel.”
“This collection is almost like going back to where I began as a stylist – a time of being young and looking at global fashion from Italy, Japan and London. In all these places, the street was key. I wanted to get back that 1990s feeling of a world of possibilities and a time beyond fashion.”
The show featured three timeless Diesel icons: Leather-Rock ’n’ Roll, Denim and Military-Utility. These pillars are intrinsic to Diesel and part of the foundations of the brand today.
The proceedings of the event were structured, moving from the multiplicity of black and red leather looks in the first part to new innovations and experiments in denim and, finally, military meeting street-style wear.
The brand celebrates 35 years as an alternative spirit
Each part encompassed a view of the past and a route to the future. Capturing the youthful spirit of the brand and its distinct take on ‘Italiano-Americana’, as well as a nod to late 1990s London nightlife, it was the global language of alternative style that was explored in the show.
Each section of the show was interspersed with a film by Formichetti’s long-time collaborator, photographer and digital pioneer Nick Knight, featuring dancers, including the choreographer and former Royal Ballet principal Ivan Putrov. There was a special live performance by another, newer Formichetti collaborator, Brooke Candy, who presented her latest single Opulence.
Diesel stores are in St Anne’s Square, Sliema and Merchants Street, Valletta.