Diesel's Renzo Rosso on Bringing Fashion to Furniture: A Conversation at Milan Design Week

During Milan Design Week, Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel, sat down with WWD to discuss the brand's foray into the world of interiors. The Italian entrepreneur, known for his innovative approach to fashion, shared his thoughts on the current state of the industry, the impact of tariffs, and how Diesel is navigating the shift towards home decor.

A New Chapter for Diesel

Rosso, who has been at the helm of Diesel for over 30 years, has always been driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to push boundaries. With the launch of Diesel's home collection, the brand is now bringing its signature style to the world of interiors. "We want to create a 360-degree lifestyle experience for our customers," Rosso explained. "Fashion and furniture are not so different, both are about self-expression and personal style."

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the excitement around Diesel's new venture, Rosso acknowledged the challenges the brand is facing, particularly with regards to tariffs. "The current trade tensions are affecting our business, no doubt about it," he said. "But we are working hard to mitigate the impact and find ways to adapt to the new landscape." Rosso emphasized the importance of being agile and responsive to changing market conditions, and highlighted the need for brands to be proactive in navigating the complexities of global trade.

Designing for the Modern Home

When it comes to designing for the modern home, Rosso emphasized the importance of creating pieces that are both functional and beautiful. "We want our furniture to be statement pieces, but also to be lived with and enjoyed," he said. Diesel's home collection features a range of bold, eclectic pieces, from brightly colored sofas to sleek, modern coffee tables. "Our goal is to create a sense of excitement and energy in the home, to inspire people to express themselves and have fun with their space," Rosso explained.

A Fusion of Fashion and Interiors

Rosso sees the fusion of fashion and interiors as a natural evolution for Diesel. "Fashion and furniture have always been connected, but now more than ever, people are looking for a seamless experience between the two," he said. Diesel's home collection is designed to reflect the brand's fashion DNA, with bold colors, innovative materials, and a focus on self-expression. "We want our customers to be able to take the same sense of style and confidence they get from wearing Diesel clothing and apply it to their home decor," Rosso said.

As Milan Design Week came to a close, it was clear that Diesel is committed to making a statement in the world of interiors. With its bold, eclectic designs and commitment to self-expression, the brand is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. As Rosso noted, "The home is the ultimate expression of personal style, and we're excited to be a part of that conversation."

With its foray into interiors, Diesel is once again proving itself to be a pioneer in the world of fashion and design. As the brand continues to navigate the complexities of the industry, one thing is certain: Renzo Rosso's passion for creativity and innovation will remain at the forefront of everything Diesel does.