After six years with Diesel, Glenn Martens orchestrated the final runway of his tenure. Sensuality and intensity were pushed to a peak with a celebratory energy. The runway was reminiscent of a packed club, a meeting space for high fashion. 

“The party always comes first at Diesel. It’s about inclusivity, self-expression, pleasure, and the democracy of experience. The collection is the essence of Diesel: disruptive, sexy, fluid, fun. We are all in this together: let’s take a ride one more time,” says Creative Director Glenn Martens. 

This final ride took guests through all that makes Diesel iconic, much of it made famous under Martens direction. The sexy going-out dresses that made Diesel known to the “cool girl” brand, with slinky material and muted colors. Other looks embraced the dysfunction of Diesel’s aesthetics. Others told the brand’s story through color. Lavender, plaids, a few pops of cherry red. Models wore smudged lipstick and slicked back hair, fully embracing the party atmosphere.

Denim is the thread that runs throughout. Waxed leather and laser-cut edges created an elevated effect. Layering appears throughout. In one look a collared shirt peeks out from under a sweater layered beneath a leather jacket. A blazer extends below the cropped hem of the leather jacket. In another, laser-cut floral decals cinches the waist of a t-shirt dress with embroidered flowers at the base layer. 

Micro denim shorts, known as daisy dukes, take a starring role on the runway. They first appear with a raw edge, paired with a collared shirt and clear-framed eyeglasses. At the end of the show the shorts appear again. First on a male model who bares skin in a very Diesel look. Next the shorts are elevated with a blazer and D-ONE bag. The final look was a paired down synopsis of Glenn Martens’ Diesel. Worn by Ella Snyder, who has a long relationship with the brand, bleached daisy dukes were paired with a barely buttoned white button-down. Snyder’s hair was a cherry red, a reminiscent touch. 

Across the space, 200 performers from (LA)HORDE artist collective worked amidst the crowd. Groups of performers caressed one another, some kissing and building the tension across the room. Other performers dramatically headbanged while guests joined in on the absurd energy. It all created a spectacle, a performance of absurdity.