Who wears Diesel? Only The Brave, right? Men all over Ireland can consider themselves brave then in that case, because Ireland is one of Diesel’s biggest markets.
Meet Renzo Rosso, the Italian fashion entrepreneur and President of OTB (Only The Brave) Group. OTB Group is the holding group of Maison Martin Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf and Diesel among other brands.
Growing up on a farm in Northern Italy, Rosso created his first piece of clothing at 15, a pair of jeans he made on a Singer sewing machine. He dropped out of the University of Venice in 1975 and began working at Moltex an Italian clothing manufacturer. After growing Moltex beyond expectations Diesel was born and became a global denim brand. Initially the Italian entrepreneur only co-owned the company along with the owner of Moltex. As the brand grew Rosso wanted complete creative control and eventually took 100% ownership of the company, a rarity in the complex world of fashion conglomerate ownership.
Rosso sporting his trademark all black style with the stunning Rita Ora
As a sports fanatic, sportswear was always part of the plan. 55DSL was born in 1994. Being a pioneer, Rosso also opened one of the first fashion hotels, The Pelican Hotel, in Miami in 1994. Central to the great success of the Diesel brand has been Renzo Rosso’s vision for collaborations and creativity in marketing. Diesel advertising campaigns are memorable and timeless. His eye for new design talent ensures the continued success of all the brands under the OTB Group umbrella.
Rosso also owns a professional football club in his hometown of Bassano Del Grappa. Not only that, he hasn’t forgotten his farming background either. Diesel Farm is an actual farm he bought near his home in Veneto from where he produces wine and olive oil.
His personal style is all-black-everything rock ‘n roll and he never leaves the house, the club or the yacht without a good looking woman on his arm. He debuted last year on Forbes’ billionaire list with a net worth estimated at three billion dollars.
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