Diesel & Its 200,000-Strong Condom Mountain
Glenn Martens is taking safe sex to the extreme this season. Well, that’s how it looks if his FW23 Diesel show is anything to go by.
The former Y/Project creative director — who was appointed Diesel’s artistic director back in October 2020 — presented his FW23 collection on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, in front of a 200,000-strong condom mountain backdrop.
Yeah, you read that right.
After inviting guests by way of a custom Durex six-pack (which in turn also teased an upcoming collaboration with the condom brand), the 39 year old kept the safe sex the topic of conversation at the show itself, as models meandered between unused rubber johnnies clad in Diesel’s latest garms.
Since the show's conclusion, Diesel has also confirmed that it'll be giving away an extra 300,000 more branded condoms at his stores globally on top of its 200,000 mountain. Because nothing says safe sex like half-a-million johnnies, right?
The FW23 Diesel collection itself was just as impressive as the giant condom mountain. From pin-striped suits, crystal-embellished dresses, and double-layered jerseys, to denim booties and the label’s new Prototype 3 sneaker, the offering was arguably one of the most extensive yet under the Martens tenure.
This, of course, isn’t the first time Martens’ Diesel has caused a stir in Milan.
Last season the designer became the proud owner of a Guinness World Record for the largest inflatable artwork ever made, after Diesel’s SS23 presentation played host to a massive (and I mean massive) inflatable sculpture.
Martens himself has described FW23 as “more condensed and concentrated, more grown up, fun and strong and playful,” in an IG post, which isn't far wrong. That being said, no matter how much fun you have this season, Martens and Diesel wants you to stay safe, that's for sure.