INES LONTRADE
Edited by Angélique Gouws
Whether you like it or not, it is undeniable that the Diesel micro skirt has made a hell of an impression. From the runway to your Instagram feed and your favorite influencers, the piece has clearly captured the spotlight.
It all started on the Miu Miu runway during the Spring-Summer 2022 show in October 2021 where they introduced their ultra-cropped skirts. Since then, several other couture maisons followed suit, creating their own interpretations of the iconic 2000s micro skirt.
Among them, Diesel, now artistically directed by the talented Belgian designer Glenn Martens, introduced their version for the Fall-Winter 2022-2023 show which took place in February of this year.
Diesel’s creation made such an impression that the brand decided to bring it back for Spring-Summer 2023, this time offering crocodile and metallic versions.
Despite its success on the runway, once the skirt was made available on the market, many buyers complained about its quality and practicality, especially given the high price point.
One of the recurrent complaints centered around the packaging: for a $1000 piece, customers expected a fancy presentation and were disappointed when they discovered that Diesel made the decision to deliver the piece in a big cardboard box.
People also seemed to be disappointed by the quality of the skirt itself: between the rigid leather material and the thick velcro strip to fasten it, the final product seems “cheap”. Moreover, the lack of adjustability of the velcro made it less size-inclusive making the product suitable for a very limited number of clients.
However, the main issue with the micro skirt was its wearability—or lack thereof. Its short length and rigid material often led to it riding up, making it impossible to sit without flashing everyone on the street.
As an overall complaint, people criticize the low effort that has been put into creating a piece that doesn’t really seem to match quality with price.
Although it is pretty surprising that the piece went into ready-to-wear production given its limited size inclusivity, the Diesel micro skirt remains a statement piece, designed for influencers or models for photoshoots or special occasions.
It needs to be pointed out that there is a difference between admiring something for its beauty and needing to own it. This piece of clothing is the perfect example given its price tag and lack of wearability. Maybe the Diesel skirt is just one of those things that are meant to be admired and not necessarily owned.
Though it is not necessarily a wearable piece for the everyday public, the primary source of criticism surrounding the skirt lies in its simple design. Perhaps if the piece had been more elaborate yet equally unwearable, it might have sparked less controversy.
The Diesel micro skirt has and continues to make waves pushing the boundaries of art and wearability.
As most of us would debate its place in our wardrobe, one thing remains certain: the Diesel micro skirt is an embodiment of the boldness that defines the industry.
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