Glenn Martens, Creative Director of Diesel, made a statement at Milan Fashion Week that has sparked a lot of discussion amongst the Gen Z community. In a fashion industry that is constantly evolving to adapt to the preferences of younger consumers, Martens addressed the question of whether Gen Z wants a bold and daring approach to fashion.
Martens, known for his edgy and unconventional designs, showcased Diesel’s latest collection with a showstopping event. Staging a fashion show for 7,000 predominantly young attendees on a rainy night in Milan proved to be no challenge for Martens and the Diesel team. The atmosphere was electric, and the brand’s front man did not disappoint.
The show, characterized as cheeky and sexy, embodied the rebellious spirit of Gen Z. Martens pushed boundaries and embraced audacious fashion statements to captivate his audience. The collection featured bold prints, flashy colors, and unconventional silhouettes, pushing the traditional notions of what is considered fashionable. Martens successfully created a spectacle that left a lasting impression on both attendees and industry insiders alike.
In addition to Martens’ daring showcase, another notable event during Milan Fashion Week was Kim Jones’ collection for Fendi. Taking inspiration from the late Karl Lagerfeld, Jones paid homage to the fashion icon by incorporating Lagerfeld’s signature elements into his designs. The collection was a seamless blend of Lagerfeld’s timeless elegance and Jones’ contemporary vision, capturing the attention of attendees and drawing praise from fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
These two brands, Diesel and Fendi, showcased contrasting yet equally captivating collections, highlighting the importance of catering to the diverse tastes of younger consumers. Gen Z is known for their desire to express their individuality and push boundaries, and both Martens and Jones recognized and respected this aspect of their audience.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the question of whether Gen Z wants an “in your face” approach to fashion has been decisively answered by the likes of Glenn Martens at Diesel and Kim Jones at Fendi. With their bold and audacious collections, both designers have demonstrated the need for fashion brands to embrace unconventional creativity in order to engage with the younger audience effectively. The days of playing it safe are long gone, and brands must now dare to be different in order to capture the attention and loyalty of the influential Gen Z consumer base.