Is Diesel Making A Comeback? TikTok Says Yes

Remember when Diesel jeans were the fashion staple of the 2000s? From the statement low-risers favored by Paris Hilton to the out-there colorways, the denim brand was seen on anyone and everyone. Then, somewhere between Instagram’s inception and the embrace of high-rise denim, the brand’s logo-packed pieces got relegated to the back of our wardrobe and sent to donation bins to make way for more subtle, trend-led looks. 

Recently though, Diesel has inched its way back into pop culture and secondhand circles, reaching new audiences with its nostalgia-bating 2000s aesthetic. Fitting perfectly with the current Y2K furor where we’re locking in to other formerly “uncool” brands like Von Dutch, Juicy Couture and Ed Hardy, statement tees, velour tracksuits and garishly printed tops are sought after once again. Via sites like Depop and Vinted, the newest generation of fashion lovers are discovering the brands of pop culture past.

@viennaskye #diesel #fashionforyou ♬ original sound – viennaskye

I first noticed Diesel’s reappearance after seeing its D logo flashed repeatedly on my Instagram Explore page earlier this year. Featured in the brand’s refreshed collections — a divergence from its signature denim designs — the symbol has become a literal stamp of style approval, worn proudly by celebs like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Julia Fox. 

This recent success can be largely attributed to the brand’s revamp under new creative director Glenn Martens, who took the reins from Diesel’s founder Renzo Rosso in 2020, shortly after Diesel’s US branch filed for bankruptcy. Since then, he’s catapulted the brand into diverse new territory with sustainability ethics to boot. The collections that have followed have displayed a mixture of fabrics and designs, using recycled trimming and non-toxic chemicals and hooking the attention of the eco-conscious generation.

@bonesascollateral8 Reply to @sizedthebrand Glenn Martens at Diesel Fall 2022 RTW #greenscreen #glennmartens #diesel #fashiontiktok #milanfashionweek #yproject #nyfw ♬ original sound – Jané

As with anything in 2022, confirmation of Diesel’s comeback can be found on TikTok. Fashion commentators, critics and influencers have taken to the platform to share their thoughts on the brand since its overhaul. Classing Diesel “the hot brand of 2022,” others have hailed Martens for “eating up the entire runway season” — a reference to the fall 2022 shows he also produced for Y/Project and Jean Paul Gaultier – and having “a chokehold on every It girl and guy” ever since.

The brand’s firm new stance was expressed at its Milan show in February. Described by TikTok fashion commentator @heyjodye as “a revival from their success in the 90s,” models walked between large inflated Diesel figures in provocative poses, showcasing a bold rebirth of the brand that has continued to play out this year. The show was immediately praised, with Vogue likening Diesel’s belt skirt to Miu Miu’s infamous micro mini while critics hailed the “alien-like” and “innovative” display of multipurpose denim with moto flair and metallic knits.

@heyjodye Diesel becoming the “It” brand? #y2kaesthetic #fashiontiktok #outfitsinspo #dieselfw22 #glennmartens #fashiontrends2022 ♬ What They Gon Say – Ron Suno & Zay Munna

Further pushing Diesel into the current landscape is its new 1DR handbag, which displays the striking D logo and arrives during the reign of cult totes like Balenciaga’s City Bag and Telfar’s Shopping Bag. The 1DR, along with Diesel’s D logo belt, has become a trending accessory that taps into Diesel’s 2000s grunge aesthetic. 

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When Megan Thee Stallion wore a metallic pink dress emblazoned with Diesel’s D logo, with a 1DR bag to match, I officially became re-obsessed with the brand, too. Last month, BIA rocked a head-to-toe Diesel fit in her “London” music video and Normani stepped out in the label for Coachella. I’m hooked and frankly impressed with how Diesel has secured demand for its clothing once again. Its obvious alliance with today’s hip hop generation has grabbed the attention of a new target audience and younger fans previously oblivious to the label. 

Diesel’s reawakening sets a standard for other fallen labels and perhaps offers a glimpse into the future of what could be coming back into style next. Personally, I’m glad Diesel has made it back — it brings a playful, nonchalantly cool element to my wardrobe that I didn’t realize I’d been missing. This summer, catch me outside with my new jeans and 1DR handbag — no need to ask where they’re from. 

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Yes, A Glass Handbag Is Worth The Risk

Let me start by saying that we understand you might be bewildered by the glass handbag trend. Ever since celebrities like Doja Cat, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian have sported the delicate tote on casual outings and red carpet events, fashion fans are left wondering if it’s worth the risk to buy. What if you drop it or bump into something? Will it shatter into a million pieces? 

To answer your question: it’s still fragile, so if you’re hasty, then it can break. However, most glass purses are created from blown glass, a sturdier form of silica. Hence, if you’re not planning on throwing your bag around or participating in strenuous activities, you’re probably in the clear. (See what we did there?) You can pair it with a classic nap dress for a relaxing weekend brunch with friends or outdoor picnic with your family. Another alternative is adding it to any funky going-out outfit — Kim Kardashian wore hers with her sultry Coachella ensemble. With proper care, it can be a dazzling statement piece that will sparkle in the sun and make your tired old lipgloss look like a display piece.

Acrylic Glass Bag Vase, $53.95

Does the price of the iconic Coperni glass handbag scare you? Let Etsy’s foolproof acrylic version reassure you. It’s a fan favorite for those who appreciate the artistic look and want a similar version for a fraction of the price. (Coperni’s glass Swipe bags start at $2,700. The chrome one that Doja Cat wore to the 2022 Grammy Awards costs $2,950.) The delicate piece has the same silhouette and elegance as the Parisian brand’s original style and boasts over 23,000 sales. While the creator suggests using the modern piece as decoration for your home or garden, you can easily fashion it into a statement accessory. Ultimately, the choice is yours, as it’s gorgeous for any use: an eye-catching vase, fishbowl, or a striking bag for an upscaled occasion.

Tote Bag Glass Vase, $99.99

A tote bag that effortlessly matches Cinderella’s glass slippers. Sage & Sill offers a variety of glass handbags, from a short wavy one to a tall minimalistic basket style, but this design deserves a spot of its own. It instantly draws attention with its charming rigid appearance and propped-up silhouette. Imagine walking back from the farmer’s market with your new bouquet already set in a portable vase? Now, that’s an Instagram-worthy picture. However, if you’re only looking to update your worn-out PVC bag, this does the trick. You won’t ever have to worry about tears or it getting dirty from a loose eyeliner too. You’ll only have to be a bit more careful carrying it around.

Eva Crushed Ice Glass Handbag Green, $810

Stay safe with this tiny acrylic handbag that gives off the appearance of crushed glass. It’s durable for those days when you don’t have time to coddle a glass piece. Yet, you’re still fond of the transparent look of a glass purse. The seafoam green hue is lovely for tropical vacations or beach weddings. The glistening water and sparkling sun will no doubt shine against this accessory. It also comes with a luxe gold chain. You can hold it by the top handle and let the chain dangle by itself or as a shoulder bag. Plus, it has a magnetic closure with 24k electro-plated hardware, so your lipstick and wallet won’t slip out.

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Purse, $298

Are you a color enthusiast, or perhaps your favorite color is red? If so, then this vibrant vintage mid-century purse is a match made in heaven. The cherry red shade is slightly opaque and masks any specific items that you may have except for the outline. It’s a stunning colorful piece that’ll attract eyes by simply placing it on a table when having coffee at a cafe or with an all-white ‘fit.

Haetingcare Hand Blown Glass Vase, $55.99

Short and sweet. Haetingcare’s glass handbag is shorter than Sage & Sill’s tote bag, but still offers that flawless handblown feature. No two pieces are the same, as little air bubbles adorn the purse. In addition, the bag is made out of recycled green glass, so you get a nice subtle hue. It reminds me of the light green sheen from old-school glass Coke bottles.

Decorative Ceramic & Glass Purse, $25.63

Step out on your next GNO with this affordable chic black handbag. The glass purse is lavished with a silver metallic finish that looks polished and sleek. (A timeless LBD would be perfect with this showstopper.) While the focal point of the other bags was their translucent appearance, this one has a sophisticated brick design.

Small Purse Glass Vase, $409

This delicate and playful small handbag is made straight from the Tuscan factory of the skilled glass artisans, Industria Vetraria Valdarnese. Fashionably make it into a grocery bag and bring it with you when you have to grab some limes or lemons from the store or carry key essentials like a colorful cardholder and your keys.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The Summer Dress Of Your Dreams Has Pockets

Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes, a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks.

I’ve lost count of the times I've stopped someone on the street to compliment their dress and received the following joyful response: "Thank you! It has pockets!" The elation in their face; the pride in their voice! It’s almost as if the dress-wearer in question was waiting to share only that fact. 

Utility factor aside, I really like relaxing my arms in pockets. Having a place to keep my hands allows me to stand feeling relaxed and confident, without an ounce of standoffishness. If I’m ever on the fence about a dress purchase, the presence of pockets is usually the nudge that pushes me to purchase. When online shopping, I love it when a dress’s description includes whether it has a home for my hands or not. (When a brand keeps me guessing on a frock’s pocket status, I curse it in my mind. What keeps me up at night? Wishing more retailers included pockets as an option in their navigation or search filters.)

For most roomy dress shapes, I've almost come to expect pockets; for slimmer silhouettes, pockets are a delightful surprise, especially when the piece is made well. (No one wants that weird hip bunching that some pockets create, especially if they are washable fabrics and are fresh out of the dryer.) Even luxury brands like Sea New York, Ulla Johnson and Miguelina have shown a unique knack for taking smart day dresses that scream “fancy” and giving them pockets.

Ahead, I've pulled together a range of versatile, casual warm-weather dresses of different shapes, lengths and patterns; each one offering you a place to store your phone and lip balm. (The Ganni and Levi’s collaboration frock I’m wearing here is sold out at the moment, but enterprising souls can track down secondhand versions on eBay.) If you’re out and about wearing one and someone shows you love on the street — be sure to tell them it has pockets. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Open Edit Print Shift Dress

A ho-hum summer mini this is not. Click out to Nordy’s hallowed homepage and you’ll see that this printed (and pocketed) shift boasts an almond-shaped cutout that reveals a smidge of the lower back, making this frock both fun and fully SFW (Safe for Family Weddings).

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Open Edit Print Shift Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Farm Rio Summer Tapestry Square Neck Mini Dress

It’s summer all year long at Farm Rio, the print-happy Brazilian brand that brings a touch of tropical joie de vivre to all of its offerings. In addition to pockets, this verdant mini dress has voluminous sleeves and a flattering smocked bodice for plenty of proportional play.

Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Summer Tapestry Square Neck Mini Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

We The Free Hannah Denim Mini Dress

If you follow the link to Free People’s dot-com you’ll see a surprising sight — this knee-skimming denim dress styled fully open over a cropped top and black jeans. As if the presence of pockets didn’t make the lightly distressed cotton tunic versatile enough, you also have the option of wearing it as a floaty layer. This one’s popular with the frock flock, too: “I saw a girl walking past me with this jean dress and thought it was so cute,” wrote one intrepid reviewer, “so I Googled ‘jean dress with ruffle sleeves’ and found it and I’m so glad I did!”

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We The Free Hannah Denim Mini Dress, $, available at Free People

Madewell Embroidered Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress in Indigo Plaid

“Many compliments,” wrote a reviewer, employing the universal shorthand that we all use to measure the success of a dress. Replete with homespun details like embroidery and a generous wash of indigo dye, this plaid cotton shift has summer written all over it — and of course, pockets sewn right into it.

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Madewell Embroidered Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress in Indigo Plaid, $, available at Madewell

Everlane Corduroy Mini Dress

This truly transitional tunic boasts a hemline (short) and back (dipped) worthy of the breeziest spring outing, but the soft corduroy fabrication makes it fall-friendly, too. However, it’s really the pockets that make it a dress for all seasons.

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Everlane The Corduroy Mini Dress, $, available at Everlane

Kate Spade Julia Stripe Bungalow Dress

Full disclosure: this candy-colored frock is rapidly approaching sold-out status — most likely owing to its picture-perfect picnic-ready silhouette. Reviewers find the breezy cotton poplin piece to be very oversized — but those that seek a tent-like silhouette “love the fit,” in the words of reviewer Susan.

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Kate Spade Julia Stripe Bungalow Dress, $, available at Kate Spade

Uniqlo Button Down Camisole Flare Dress

With a grassy green hue and a slinky rayon fabrication, this ’90s-inspired dress feels like a brag-to-all-your-friends thrift-store find. Would the vintage version of this dress have had pockets, though?

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Uniqlo Button Down Camisole Flare Dress, $, available at Uniqlo

COS A-line Denim Dress

Georgia O’Keeffe has entered the chat. This long, all-over denim dress gives the illusion of the chic-est Canadian tuxedo, and we know that the New Mexico-based artist (and patron saint of high desert style) would approve of this functional frock — and its pockets.

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COS A-line Denim Dress, $, available at COS

Good Good Good Lilian’s Frill Dress

A splash of saturated color brings this Victorian-inspired cottagecore frock into buy-it-now territory. The merino wool dress offers the prim details recalling a very buttoned-up era, but an elastic waistband means you can skip the corset. And the pockets? According to the brand, they’re “deep.”

Shop The Folklore

Good Good Good Lilian’s Frill Dress, $, available at The Folklore

Cynthia Rowley Cold Shoulder Rhinestone Dresss

What this poplin frock lacks in shoulder coverage, it makes up for in storage capacity, thanks to two side seam pockets located just below the obi-like belt. Bet you never thought you’d see rhinestones shoulder-spangls and a place to keep your keys co-existing in a single frock, did you?

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Cynthia Rowley Cold Shoulder Rhinestone Dress, $, available at Cynthia Rowley

Remain Birger Christensen Bonnie Shirt Dress

This organic cotton canvas shirtdress riffs on the proportions of a traditional button-down, even adding prominent patch pockets on the front.

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Remain Birger Christensen Bonnie Shirt Dress, $, available at The Frankie Shop

Rebecca Minkoff Tori Dress

Another daring dress that offers patch pockets on the front (for keeping valuables really close to your chest), this ultra-light cotton poplin leopard-print midi is part top, part minidress, and all summer fun.

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Rebecca Minkoff Tori Dress, $, available at Rebecca Minkoff

AllSaints Arielle Areias Dress

Part of the British brand’s “Conscious” assortment, this gauzy zebra-print frock has a cool keyhole back and high side slits, making it a perfect beach-to-street summer staple.

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AllSaints Arielle Areias Dress, $, available at AllSaints

AMUR Gio Cutout Dress

The brand’s name is an acronym for “A Mindful Use Of Resources”, and its organic cotton frock is embroidered with a restrained leafy pattern and fabric the color of the sky — a reminder of AMUR’s belief that “nature is the ultimate luxury.”

Shop AMUR

AMUR Gio Cutout Dress, $, available at Amur

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