
If you weren’t on the guest list for Diesel’s SS23 show in Milan, yes you were. Opening the show to the public by hosting the collection in a space seating over 5000-people, Glenn Martens invited literally everyone to attend – or those that could get hold of a ticket. CULTED posted a vid over on TikTok outlining the meaning behind the show and Glenn Martens’ decision to make it accessible to everyone; here’s what the CULTED community thought of the spectacle.
Causing hordes of crowds, gridlock traffic, and a whole team of security to get involved, Diesel’s clearly a brand unafraid of causing a commotion. Since they’ve regained notoriety in the last couple of years, their shows have only gotten more elaborate, and SS23 promised big things.

As one CULTED commenter @ni.co.uk stated, “They set the standard so high with their last collection” we all held doubts that Diesel could outdo themselves again. However, it’s arguable that it doesn’t get much bigger than this. The collection was strutted under the torsos and between the legs of giant, inflatable sculptures which filled the empty space above the arena’s stage. We asked for big, and Diesel provided.
Inviting the entire population of the world to get tickets to the show was another huge move on Glenn Martens’ part. Breaking down the barriers of elitism that have existed in fashion for years allowed people who maybe had never been to a fashion show to experience one firsthand. Commenter @kendrastormrae said of the decision, “Open to the public is 🥰”, and we have to agree.

Although press and celebrity seating was still allocated – there’s no removing A-listers from the roster – 1,600 seats were actually set aside specifically for students. As @mclees.elle, one of the lucky attendees, said “I was there it was AMAZING. It was really only open to mostly fashion students in Italy, from all the big fashion schools. We had great seats.” Inviting fashion students in particular to witness Diesel SS23 says so much about how Martens really wants to open the doors of the industry to the next generation of creatives.
By refusing to conform to the age-old tradition of locking out everyone who didn’t fit the mould, Diesel’s shown they actually do want fashion to be for everyone. In a modern age where we’re so focused on inclusivity and equality, it’s no wonder fashion’s “in-crowd” is beginning to seem a little outdated. Like @francosatanico says, “I love that it was public, I hate that art is such a luxury.”

We also have to acknowledge the truth behind a comment left by TikTok user, @seaweedhoe which eloquently summarises, “This was a slay.” They’re right. Here’s to hoping we see more luxury brands choosing to slay in future. Let the people in!
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