Diesel (Instagram) is rewriting the rules of fashion with its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, showcased at Milan Fashion Week. Known for its bold and rebellious designs, Diesel has taken a major step forward in sustainability, demonstrating that style and circularity can go hand in hand. The show, which featured a staggering 14,800 kg of repurposed denim scraps, was more than just a visual spectacle – it was a testament to Diesel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of both fashion and sustainability.
At the heart of this collection is Diesel’s embrace of circular fashion. Glenn Martens, Diesel’s creative director, describes the brand’s mission: “There is beauty in waste, in what is distressed and destroyed. It’s in the circularity of denim waste, and into the distressing that we build into the collection. This is the disruption of Diesel: we are pushing for circularity in our production as hard as we push the elevation of design.” This ethos was embodied in every detail of the show, from the upcycled denim set to the innovative garment designs.
Diesel’s denim experiments are central to the collection. For example, the iconic denim micro shorts are embellished with extra-long fringing, while a double-breasted leather jacket is treated to look like worn denim, paired with distressed jeans. Each piece exudes effortless cool, while subtly reinforcing the brand’s focus on waste minimization.
The collection also showcases Diesel’s expertise in elevating casualwear with complex craftsmanship. Cotton sweatshirts and mini dresses feature devoré jacquard, where the cotton is carefully burnt away to reveal tulle underneath, creating a distressed effect. Meanwhile, pieces like the Prince of Wales check dresses are printed on PVC, fringed with intentional distressing, blending classic tailoring with a futuristic twist.
Further exploring the concept of repurposing, Diesel’s denim experiments continue with an artisanal coat made entirely from leftover denim thread. The brand’s signature “Rehab Denim” uses 100% recycled cotton, incorporating waste from its own production lines, in the creation of a stunning monk’s coat. These are just some of the reimaginings taking place. This commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the collection, emphasizing that circular fashion is not just a trend but a guiding principle.
The focus on circular design brings Diesel’s archival bandana prints back to life, reimagined in a collection of draped and knotted dresses and tops. These prints are applied to pleated fabric, which is then cracked to reveal a striking trompe l’oeil effect, giving the garments a wrapped and draped appearance. Additionally, an artisanal jacket and coat are crafted from waste yarn, wrapped and tied to form organic, flowing shapes, almost as if the floral patterns themselves are alive.
In terms of accessories, the collection introduces the Play-Double-D bag, a sculptural iteration of the brand’s iconic Play bag. The Lake Platform shoe, with its transparent sole, and the distressed sunglasses from the eyewear collaboration with Luxottica, also stood out as key pieces that embody Diesel’s forward-thinking approach to design.
Diesel’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection is a bold statement on the future of fashion – one where innovation, sustainability, and style coexist seamlessly. By reimagining waste and elevating distressed materials, Diesel is proving that the future of fashion isn’t just about what looks good on the runway but also what’s good for the planet.
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