I had the opportunity to speak with Andreas Melbostad, the new creative director of Diesel Black Gold (DBG), who presented his first men's collection. Andreas spoke candidly about his relationship with Diesel and future plans. It was an evening that made me realize that his frank personality is the source of his sophisticated creativity. - How did you feel after the men's show? It was very exciting, as it was my first men's collection that I personally directed. Pitti Uomo is a traditional stage, so I think it was great to be able to present such a hard-edged collection there. - I felt there were similarities with the women's collection. Was that something you were conscious of? This was my first men's collection, so I was conscious of creating a worldview that was consistent with the women's collection. While each brand may develop independently in the future, I deliberately chose this style this time as an opportunity to present that they are brands on a common platform.

--Do you have any specific ideas about how each brand may develop?

I want DBG to be an advanced contemporary designer brand for both men's and women's. Denim and leather are the core of both brands, but for women, I will incorporate feminine elements such as dresses, and for men, I will incorporate casual styles such as T-shirts, while also developing tailored jackets, suit sets, shoes, bags, and other accessories.

--You have a background in luxury brands. Did you feel like you wanted to take on a challenge when starting DBG?

No, when I met Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel, I shared his passion for DBG and what he wanted to do. I was confident about what I should do, so I accepted the offer more intuitively.

--Did Renzo present a specific direction for DBG, or did you have an abstract image in mind? If so, what kind of brand image did he have?

Renzo didn't present any specific ideas to me. He had seen my past work and was convinced that my sensibilities were a perfect fit for DBG and that I should do it. So, even without consciously trying to make it look like DBG, my designs, through the leather and denim materials and Diesel's sewing techniques, naturally became "like" the brand through an organic process.

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