Wonderland’s Becky Davies speaks with the man behind Diesel, Renzo Rosso about life, family and the future of Diesel.

When you launched Diesel Black Gold in 2007 what was the main ambition, and has the brand reached your initial expectations?
It’s always hard when you decide to create a new line from the bottom-up. But it was challenging that’s why I did it and to be honest with you I am very proud of the product. We still can do a lot more, but this is a really good beginning.

With the launch of a stand-alone store in NYC and Diesel Black Gold showing during New York fashion week: what has prompted you to throw yourself into New York this season; and how is Diesel currently received in America?
It’s not that easy to find so many successful stories in our sector in America. After all these years I think we have now the right features, the knowledge and the management to become a strong brand in the USA.

How is it having your son Stefano working for you? 
You cannot describe it. I feel the adrenaline of sharing opinions, ideas and strategies with him, it’s amazing

You did a collaboration with Adidas last season, what do you have up your sleeves next?
The next one is the collaboration with Ducati, in November we will launch a capsule collection with them. 12 styles mixing fashion design and Diesel DNA with a biker look.

Do you have any holidays planned this summer?
Ladakh and Kashmir in India, Beijing and 10 days in the Greek islands

What are you currently reading?
A lot of stuff on internet to do research about art, fashion and general themes

Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
People think I look a rockstar but what they don’t know is that I don’t usually like events, I do prefer to stay at home and enjoy my hometown Bassano del Grappa.

Interview by Becky Davies