Fashion

The rise of 1DR Diesel Bags | Why everyone’s talking about them

Since the exciting appointment of Glenn Martens in October 2020, Diesel has been the trending brand on the block. Popular in the 90s and early 2000’s the brand was loved for its provocative marketing and distressed Denim, before dropping behind with the rise of the high street.

But, the brand is back and it is a Diesel-mania world we are currently living in. Reinventing the brand with diversity and sustainability at the forefront, Glenn Martens has led the Y2K trend. Making it into the top 10 most popular brands for the first time ever, we are talking about the brand’s cult handbag that has cemented that title. Designed by Martens himself, here is the rise of the 1DR bag and why everyone is talking about them…

@sianeastmentwilliams

1DR Diesel Bags features & functionality

The 1DR bag is a classic shoulder bag silhouette, crafted from nappa leather with a metallic-coated finish. The front of the bag has an embossed motif and features a handle. The larger style fits over the shoulder, but the smaller size is more of a grab-bag size. They both have an optional belt-like strap for cross-body wear. The tonal metal Oval D plaque on the flap makes it instantly recognisable.

Composition: 80%Polyethylene Terephthalate 20% Cow Leather
Top handle that can be folded under the bag
Detachable and adjustable strap
Magnetic flap closure
Inside: slip pocket and flat compartment

The measurements for the 1DR Shoulder Bags

1DR Shoulder bag Dimensions: H: 13.5cm x W: 20.5cm x D: 7cm
1Dr XS Mini bag Dimensions: H: 9cm x W: 12.5cm x D: 6cm. Strap drop: 7cm
1DR XXS Shoulder Bag Dimensions: H: 5.5cm x W: 7.5cm x D: 3.5cm

@ashleyogarcia

Who is the Creative Director, Glenn Martens?

Glenn Martens is the Belgium designer who previously worked at Jean Paul Gaultier. Bruges-born and raised, and trained at Antwerp’s lauded Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the creative was behind Y/Project, and has now been at the four-decade-old Italian fashion house Diesel for nearly 3 years.

Martens, who first trained as an interior architect, blends historical influences into his contemporary designs. With the construction of the garment always his starting point, in an interview with GQ, he noted his designs are ‘woozy and wonky, but never whimsical; asymmetrical but somehow balanced. It’s a night out at a warehouse, with exactly the right amount of uppers and downers. I think these are clothes that I think I can wear, and that I can see easily in the clubs in Paris and London’.

@diesel

After an initial Diesel Red Tag capsule collection, Martens joined Diesel and has since delved into their 44-year archives. Having loved Diesel since his youth and with an ever-growing A-lister fan base that includes the likes of Rihanna it seems to have been a match made in heaven.

When I was at high school I saved all my money from my dishwashing job in a restaurant to buy Diesel pants. It’s definitely the very first brand that I really consciously bought.

The craftsmanship behind 1DR Diesel bags

The trademark features that make a classic Diesel bag are still apparent – think noticeable branding and sturdy handles. However, Martens has injected much of his off-beat signature street sav into the brand’s napa leather bag line. The selection of colourways is bold, construction is scaled down, and they are purposefully non-gender-specific, with elements of Y2K-tastic detailing.

Martens tells Vogue. “[The] 1DR bag is straightforward, easy, sexy, genderless and fun – which, ultimately, are exactly Diesel’s key values.”

@iamrheabue

Why fashion influencers can’t get enough of 1DR Diesel bags

Influencers have well and truly been filling up our feed with the 1DR Diesel bag. The most compelling reason when we spoke to our MyBag gang was the versatility of the 1DR bag. Whether it’s a clean-girl aesthetic or a more grunge-vintage-inspired wardrobe you prefer, the Diesel bag’s versatility is what has put it in that top spot. With shoulder bags and micro bags the talking point of this season, Diesel bags have been the perfect option for fulfilling both trend needs.

@diesel

The celebrities spotted rocking 1DR Diesel Bags

Julia Fox was spotted clutching the canary-yellow mini-bag at a front-row show at Fashion Week. Over on the ’gram, Megan Thee Stallion dedicated an entire carousel to her rose-gold Diesel ensemble with a matching bag, earning over two million likes.

Style chameleon Paloma Elsesser added an all-white model to her everyday uniform, and Gossip Girl actor Whitney Peak is rarely seen without her short-strap shoulder bag. Not to mention, of course, Kylie Jenner who posted the full blue chrome look with a matching bag, giving us mermaid-core vibes.

The diverse range of 1DR Diesel Bags collection

The Diesel 1DR bag’s sellout styles include the silver, white, black and blue colourways. The 1DR bag is best stored in a dust bag and cleaned using a damp cloth to ensure its pristine condition for as long as possible.

@sianeastmentwilliams

The eco-friendly aspects of Diesel

Proud to be one of the most sustainable denim brands in the world, Martens knows the importance of being sustainable and is passionate about not damaging the planet further. When he took the role at Diesel, one of his first actions was reviewing the supply chain, now 40% of the collection is made up of denim pieces that have been redesigned to minimise the impact on the planet. Using organic and recycled fibres and reducing water and chemical use.

Looking at the 1DR bag it is made from real leather to ensure quality however the brand does use responsible and ethical processes through out the making of the bag.