Diesel
Diesel:U:Music Miami A Success!
The Diesel:U:Music event was the place to be in Miami, Florida on Tuesday, November 17th! Outside, the line wrapped around the building and people tried to bust in with fake wristbands. Inside, DJ MOMJEANS, Santigold, Kid Cudi, Jemina Pearl and The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! performed while models and socialites from the Miami scene livened the party.
DIESEL:U:MUSIC TO HIT MIAMI
For those of you lucky enough to attend the Diesel:U:Music event in New York City, you can attest to the night being an unforgettable one. For all our Floridian indies, Diesel:U:Music is set to hit Miami, Florida on November 17th! With performances by big names like DJ Mom Jeans, Kid Cudi and Santigold, the evening is slated to be an epic party that you won’t want to miss out on.
All Diesel fans will have a chance to witness this private event with a limited amount of invitations to be given away starting at 4pm on Saturday, November 14th through Tuesday, November 17th, at Diesel stores as well as Bloomingdale’s located at the Aventura Mall. Hop to!
FIRST LOOK: Diesel Flash For Fun
Alright Indies, I might not know all of you, but there is definitely one thing we all have in common: WE LIKE TO PARTY. Let’s face it, if you’re into fashion, you’re into staying out until the sun starts to rise, doing a few regrettable things and partying, partying, partying. But what are we to wear on those crazy raver nights when you want to make a statement but be comfortable? Diesel is ten paces ahead of you with their new line for the party-goer in all of us. Flash For Fun is Diesel’s newest collection consisting of t-shirts, tanks, underwear, denim and sneakers that glow under black-lights! A special florescent coating is layered on the denim and cotton pieces to provide an eye-popping glow under UV lights!
My friends at Diesel were nice enough to send me a pair of the Diesel Matic Flash For Fun skinny jeans. Not only do the jeans fit like a glove, they have a checkerboard florescent pattern around the ankles that looks incredible under a black-light. Although I haven’t be able to rock these jeans at Tenjune or 1OAK just yet, the black-light in my apartment helped me keep the rager going at home! Thanks Diesel!
Diesel’s Flash For Fun collection is available at selection stores nationwide!
Diesel Flash For Fun Secret Party!
Tuesday night was a good one for the people of New York even though the weather was beyond disgusting. Hundreds of people (as well as myself) headed over to Love on McDougal for the Diesel Flash For Fun Secret Party. For those of you who are familiar with Love know how cool it is on a normal night, throw in an insane amount of black lights, neon, fluorescent colors, and balloons, and it’s a madhouse! The place was jam packed, and the notorious Bronques of Last Night’s Party was capturing all the action.
INTERVIEW: Fashion Indie Sits Down With Renzo Rosso
Yesterday could not have been any more perfect. The weather was warm and sunny, I had just finished doing a walk through of one of my favorite showrooms in Soho, and now I was on my way into the Diesel building to meet up with the living legend Renzo Rosso. As if I wasn’t in enough of a state of disbelief that I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Rosso, I was completely blown away by the amazing showroom/headquarters they are working in. As pushed through the heavy doors that read “Only The Brave…” I knew what/who was waiting on the other side, and I couldn’t wait to pick the brain of the man responsible arguably the most famous denim brand of all time.
Fashion Indie: “Diesel U:Music and your global parties bring out some of the best new musical artists in the industry. Are their any artists/bands you are currently listening to?”
Renzo Rosso: [in his Italian inspired English which tends to hypnotize you] “Well I grew up in the rock and roll era, listening to artists like Black Sabbath and The Sex Pistols. A lot of this rock and roll attitude has definitely played a big part in what Diesel has become. However, I think all music is important. [Right now] All I really listen to is the Diesel U:Music radio station. They always play a wide variety of music, and have two live performances everyday. This has taught me to draw inspiration from whatever is happening at that moment, whether it be Kanye West, Pharrell, Rage Against The Machine, or Madonna all music is important. I have recently found their attitudes more and more inspirational, and that’s what I like to bring out in my clothing.”
FI: “You’re being honored with the Corporate Leadership Award at the 26th Annual Night of the Stars gala. Be honest, did you ever imagine Diesel getting this big?”
RR: “I think most people dream of being big of course, but they never really believe it until they hit that turning point. Once I knew I had established my brand, I could really focus on making it as big as I could. That is an amazing feeling, a feeling that I will never forget. While it felt like forever when it was happening, looking back it feels like it happened overnight.”
FI: “What do you attribute to this success?”
RR: “One thing that we have always tried to be with Diesel is pioneers. We are always introducing new, modern, different, fresh, and rebellious products that take both denim and the people wearing it to a whole new place. [However], I think the two biggest keys to our success were our vintage denim and the way we changed the way we communicated with our customers. Our vintage denim was something that no one else was doing at the time. We were the only ones able to produce a denim that had a look and feel of a great vintage pair of denim. This really helped to launch both Diesel and the industry into a new way of production. As I mentioned, our communication methods changed too. Most people were going direct saying ‘Here’s the product, buy it’. We decided to get away from that, and find a whole new way to communicate with our people. We decided to communicate through other people, the people our customers were listening to. We started working with celebrities, musicians, athletes to communicate in a more subtle way.”
FI: “You live an adventurous life, filled with hundreds of successes. Through all of that, one is bound to make some mistakes. Do you have any major regrets? Anything you wish you could change?”
RR: “I wish that I would have done more charity work. Don’t get me wrong I have and still do a lot, but I wish I would have made it more public. I recently met with the Dalai Lama and he told me ‘Use your brand and your face to show the work you have done. You have the power to inspire others, and you should take pride in what you have done.’ I have learned from that and plan to use my face and my power to send a positive message. In fact, we are currently working on building a village in Africa.”
FI: “In a world full of denim brands you have always managed to be one of the leaders in the industry. What has Diesel done that others haven’t?”
RR: “We produce a very unique denim. We have 51 years of history in manufacturing denim, and that has translated into quite the reputation amongst the industry. A lot of people don’t realize that a majority of the denim brands you find in the United States started off as Diesel affiliates. We have such amazing production facilities that they often work in the same factories as us, or they have worked at Diesel at some point in their careers. Diesel has gone on to foster a lot of these brands because of this.”
FI: “I am a big fan of your new fragrance ‘Only The Brave’, and judging by the way it was plastered all over your offices, you love it too. So do you wear the fragrance?”
RR: “I actually do wear the fragrance. I have produced many in the past, but this is the only one I wear [as he offers me to take a whiff of his scarf (I decline mostly because I could smell it prior to asking the question)]. Men’s fragrances are hard do, because I feel like they need to match the natural scent of a man’s skin.”
FI: “You are about to release your Flash For Fun collection, which contains a reflective material that glows under UV light. What was the inspiration behind this idea?”
RR: “Honestly? My kids. They came up to me saying they wanted something bright, new and fun, and this is what I gave them They loved all the pieces and the concept, and I decided that if they liked it why wouldn’t all my customers. My kids are great because they keep me really connected with what’s young and cool. This is a road I plan to take Diesel down now that I have successfully developed my Diesel Black Gold collection. Diesel is going to take a much more fun young feel, and Diesel Black Gold is going to be our high fashion line. I’m really excited to continue differentiating to two.”
[I get the dreaded wrap it up look from the other PR people in the room, and that signals the end despite the five questions I'm still dying to ask.]
I would like to thank all the people at Diesel who made this interview possible, my good friend Karli, and of course Mr. Rosso for the amazing opportunity.
For more on Diesel and Diesel U: Music be sure to check out their website.
THE TEN: MOST PROVOCATIVE ADS
From Gucci, to YSL, to Diesel, YVY Mag has put together the raciest, most provocative designer ads.
Maison Martin Margiela No Longer At Maison Martin Margiela
Renzo Rosso (founder and owner of Diesel and majority owner of Maison Martin Margiela since 2002), has confirmed that Mr. Margiela is no longer with, or designing the collections:
“Martin has not been there for a long time,” Russo told WGSN. “He is here but not here. We have a new fresh design team on board. We are focusing on young, realistic energy for the future; this is really Margiela for the year 2015.”
Haider Ackermann is rumored to take the reigns.
Diesel Donates Helmet to a Man Who is Only a Head
Some people were born with a head start in life. And some were born with just a head. That’s the case for Enrique Carbone Jr, also known as Quique the Head. When Quique’s head emerged from his mother that fateful day, nothing else followed.
Old McRenzo Had A Farm, Eei Eei Oh
Diesel Farm, Renzo Rosso’s estate located in the green Marostica hills near his hometown Bassano (Venice, Italy), will open its doors to the web to sell its limited edition products online. With just one click you will have the opportunity to purchase rare and valuable specialities of the sunny and airy climate of Diesel Farm vineyards and olive groves, which previously have been distributed exclusively among a selection of the top restaurants and retailers.
Renzo Rosso comments: “I’m really proud of the wine we produce: it is conceived in a high level selected and limited production, not sold through the normal distributing channels but only in a few top restaurants around the world. Today, thanks to the e-commerce site, Diesel Farm distinguishing wines and olive oil are available to all of Diesel’s fans and gourmet passionates who want to personalize their special occasions and dinners with an additional Diesel lifestyle element.”
ADDICT: Diesel F/W ‘09-10 Campaign
I really don’t like these. What do you guys think? See the rest of the campaign on Diesel, and help us decide. I’m sure the collection will be great, I mean, come on, it’s Diesel, but as far as the ads go…I’m just, confused?
LINK LOVE: Oh La La
RUNWAY RUNDOWN: William Tempest Fall 2009
London’s prodigy designer, William Tempest, has me on structure overload with his meticulously constructed Fall 2009 collection. Having worked closely with Giles Deacon, Jean Charles de Castelbajac and Diesel, there is no questioning where the man gets his skill from. Utilizing several earthly elements inspired patterns, there is no doubt that Tempest’s Fall 2009 collection has a subdued version of earth,wind and fire on the brain. Unlike many designers, who’s work tends to be reworked before hitting the market, Tempest’s exact items are now available for purchase on Browns London!
GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: William Tempest Fall 2009
Check out more from William Tempest here!
LAST NIGHT’S PARTY: Diesel U:Music Concert @ Webster Hall
There was no shortage in attendance at last night’s U:Music Concert hosted by Diesel at Webster Hall, and even as the night pushed on later and later the line was still going strong. Thanks to our friends over at Cornerstone, Hillary and I were lucky enough to not only see the such bands as Passion Pit, Cobra Starship, The Clipse, The Roots and Kanye West perform, but we got a chance to sit down and ask Passion Pit and Cobra Starship some pretty interesting (and funny) fashion questions.
The drinks were flowing at the all night open bar, and as Hillary and I enjoyed are drinks of choice, we warmed up the camera for the onslaught of pictures that were about to be taken.
First up, Passion Pit! Due to a few personal connections to the band, I have to admit I was most excited to see Passion Pit. The band certainly didn’t let me down either. Mike Angelakos’ falsetto was in full effect, and the band put on one of the best shows I’ve seen all year.
After Passion Pit wrapped up, Cobra Starship jumped on stage to perform a mix of new and old tracks, including Good Girls Go Bad off their upcoming album Hot Mess. The band got the dance party going for sure, and despite not having Leighton Meester come out to sing along, Cobra Starship definitely killed it.
Then came the surprise of the night! The Clipse got up on stage and performed a handful of songs, one of which “The new king of pop” Kanye West came on stage to help out with. Due to the fact that I have never seen The Clipse before, I must admit they stole the show for me! Oh and did I mention that when I tried to snap a picture of Kanye backstage I was almost thrown out of the event by his douchey bodyguard? LAME!
The Roots closed out the night with a solid performance as well. Quest Love was on the drums as always with his signature Afro flying proud. After plenty of drinks and a lot of time on our feet, it was time for Hillary and I to call it a night. A quick late night bite to eat, and back to the apartment to blog. Be sure to check out all the additional coverage of the Diesel U:Music event on Fashion Indie, I mean we were up until 5am blogging so show some love people!
Thanks again to everyone involved with the event, Karli, Passion Pit, Cobra Starship, and last but not least, Diesel.
TRENDSPARK: Mimicking The Half Shaved Head
Rumor has it that Corey’s half-shaved haircut was all the rage at the Diesel Party last night, but let’s face it, us girls aren’t so willing to part with half of our heads for a an edgy, Alice Dellal look. Despite the fact that Dellal herself walked in the Issa Fall 2009 runway show, all the other models appeared to have the infamous haircut, but surprise, no shaving was involved! While Issa hairstylist Malcolm Edwards’ process is a bit complicated, you can achieve the Dellal look by mousing back and blow-drying stiff the side with less hair (depending on where your part is) and bringing all dry, voluminous hair in front of the opposite side. The trick here is to use a mouse that is strong enough to hold your length/thickness of hair back so it doesn’t come creeping out!
Looks like I’m going to have to try this one for Fashion Week!
GALLERY: TRENDSPARK: Mimicking The Half Shaved Head
Thanks Elle!
STREET ZEROES: The Notorious Passout Girl
Ah the infamous girl who passes out at the concert before the second performer hits the stage. It’ quite obvious at events like this who the real party goers are. Mental notes people, by all means get your money’s worth at open bar, but be careful of the infamous snowball effect. Clearly this girl found herself at amateur hour tonight. Oh well, you’ll learn!
VIDEO: Cobra Starship @ Diesel U:Music Concert
The stars of last night’s (again that is assuming you are reading this on Friday, despite it being posted at 4am) Cobra Starship put on quite the show. Gabe Sporta was his usual energetic self moving all across the stage, and while the clip above doesn’t feature the expected “special guest” Leighton Meester, their synth player Victoria takes over just fine. Check out the clip of them performing “Good Girls Go Bad” off their upcoming album Hot Mess, which will hit shelves August 11!
QUOTABLE: Gabe From Cobra Starship (MUST Read!!!)
“I haven’t bought a pair of jeans in ten years, fuck you Diesel!”
Oopsies!!! Someone at Diesel isn’t going to be happy with mister Gabe tomorrow (or today, rather, sleep isn’t an option at fashion indie…we wanted you to hear it first. You’re welcome in advance from Hillary and Corey at 4:03 AM)
VIDEO: The Clipse ft. Kanye West @ Diesel U:Music
Hillary and I spent last night (technically still tonight, sleep isn’t an option at Fashion Indie) at the Diesel U:Music party at Webster Hall. On the invite there was the big “Special Performance” tag line, which clearly meant all bets were off. Needless to say we were all surprised enough to see Pusha T and Malice of The Clipse, but when Kanye West stepped on stage it was game over! Despite almost getting thrown out of the party for trying to snap a picture of Mr. West before he got on stage, I was able to bargain my way out of trouble long enough to film this clip of their performance. Notice my amazing video skills thank you very much, but ignore how the flashing lights managed to mess with the auto focus at certain times.
