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"Channel Diesel"

DIESEL - Five-look graphic & denim self-initiated concept capsule

A five-look capsule exploring Diesel’s raw energy through bold graphics, denim construction, and signal-inspired distortion — blending retro tech nostalgia, rebellious styling, and industrial textures into concept-driven designs that reflect my personal approach to visual storytelling, brand identity, and emotionally charged apparel.

"CHANNEL DIESEL"

Five-look Graphic & Denim Self-initiated Concept Capsule

A self-initiated five-look capsule inspired by Diesel’s fearless energy and visual identity. CHANNEL DIESEL reinterprets retro tech aesthetics, distorted graphics, raw denim construction, and bold branding through a modern lens. From CRT-inspired logo blurs to flame-printed knit shorts and synchronized V-seam sets, each look broadcasts a unique signal — gritty, playful, and unmistakably Diesel-coded.

VISION BOARD

LOOK 1: CHANNEL D

Concept:

Inspired by retro TV glitches and Y2K aesthetics, this look channels the distortion and rawness of early digital culture. The centerpiece is a pixel-blurred Diesel-inspired logo graphic, mimicking an old CRT screen mid-static, set against a clean black tee.

Key Details:

  • Distorted screen-print graphic with CRT-style visual interference

  • Printed 3-D logo detail on the back neck

  • Wide-leg denim shorts with industrial brown stitching and heavy fading

  • Contrast red logo patch evokes Diesel’s bold branding history

  • Raw, rebellious, and nostalgic — but reinterpreted for now

Design Notes:

This outfit features a boxy black tee with a bold, blurred Diesel-inspired chest graphic resembling a retro CRT screen. On the back neck, a printed red D logo adds a subtle yet elevated branding accent. It's paired with over-the-knee indigo denim shorts, designed with dramatic contrast stitching and a brushed yellow wash effect. A red woven logo patch on the side completes the gritty, Y2K-coded streetwear look with a bold pop.

COLOR SKETCHES
(Design & Color Reference)

FRONT GRAPHIC (Heat Transfer Printing)

BACK NECK LOGO (Heat Transfer Printing)

TECHNICAL SKETCHES (Design Detail Reference)

MOCKUPS (Graphic Tee)

LOOK 2: D-CODED

Concept:

A bold continuation of the retro-inspired message, this look explores the visual "patchwork" of digital noise — where hard contrast and dual tones reflect both glitch aesthetics and utilitarian styling. The matching denim set is designed to be loud and structured, echoing Diesel’s boldness through exaggerated construction.

Key Details:

  • Two-tone denim blocking creates strong visual contrast

  • Boxy trucker jacket with sharp vertical paneling and chest pockets

  • Wide-leg shorts echo the jacket’s bold panel symmetry

  • Red woven logo patch branding continues the graphic theme

  •  Heavy industrial stitching enhances the raw, utilitarian aesthetic

Design Notes:

This matching jacket and shorts set features a sharp two-tone denim color-blocking treatment, spliced with thick industrial brown stitching and paneled to create a digitally fragmented silhouette. A red woven Diesel-style logo patch at the back of the jacket mirrors the branding from Look 1. Cropped wide-leg shorts finish the outfit with a directional Y2K skate-meets-workwear energy.

COLOR SKETCHES (Design & Color Reference)

TECHNICAL SKETCHES (Design Detail Reference)

WHITE D LOGO EMBROIDERY MOCKUP

WOVEN D LOGO TAG MOCKUP

LOOK 3: SIGNAL STAMP

Concept:

This look explores the idea of branded transmission — as if a logo signal was stamped and left to fade over time. The knee-level “D” logos evoke the ghosted effect of vintage signage or worn-in screen graphics. Meanwhile, the fake-layered effect on the top adds dimension and a lived-in, grunge-inspired edge.

Key Details:

  • Short-sleeve denim shirt with sewn-in sleeves for a fake-layered effect

  • Chest attached pockets with western-inspired finish

  • Relaxed straight-leg jeans with white logo knee prints

  • Mid to heavy fading gives both pieces a vintage digital patina

  • Red woven logo patches on top (Back-side) and faux leather logo at bottom's waistband for cohesive branding

  • Balanced blend of grunge, workwear, and tech-core vibes

Design Notes:

The top is a short-sleeve denim shirt with sewn-in ribbed black sleeves, creating a fake-layered effect. It features a structured collar and classic western details like chest pockets, giving it a clean yet rugged look. The red woven logo patch at the back adds a bold branding accent. The bottoms are relaxed-fit jeans with soft fading and two white printed Diesel “D” logos at the knees — giving the look a graphic-stamped edge.

COLOR SKETCHES (Design & Color Reference)

TECHNICAL SKETCHES (Design Detail Reference)

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Diesel_Look_3_BTM_BK.png
Diesel_Look_3_Top_Front.png

PRINTED WHITE D LOGO MOCKUP

FAUX LEATHER D LOGO TAG MOCKUP

LOOK 4: STREET BURN

Concept:

This look is pure graphic energy — channeling Y2K skatecore through the lens of retro rebellion. The graffiti-style Diesel logo nods to underground tagging culture, while the flame-printed shorts echo the fiery attitude of early streetwear. This is comfort with a kick.

Key Details:

  • Oversized cream tee with graffiti Diesel graphic

  • Red cross-stitch detail at shoulder seams

  • Blue contrast stitching along hems

  • Denim-look brushed knit sweat-short with flame hem print

  • Raw cut leg openings for a distressed finish

  • Graphic-heavy, rebellious, and playful

Design Notes:

The oversized cream-colored tee features a sprayed graffiti-style “DIESEL” chest logo with vibrant contrast stitching at the shoulder seams (in red) and hem (in blue), adding visual tension. The bottom is a denim-look brushed knit sweatshort, mimicking the worn texture of jeans. Finished with raw edges and a bold flame print licking up from the hem, the shorts add a playful but punchy statement.

COLOR SKETCHES
(Design & Color Reference)

FRONT GRAPHIC (Heat Transfer Printing)

BACK NECK LOGO (Heat Transfer Printing)

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FLAME PRINT MOCKUP

TECHNICAL SKETCHES (Design Detail Reference)

MOCKUPS (Graphic Tee)

LOOK 5: RAW SYNC

Concept:

This look focuses on raw identity — synchronizing denim texture, exposed edges, and directional cuts. The matching V-angled design lines and distressed hems create visual rhythm, while the construction details echo Diesel’s love for bold experimentation and confident imperfection.

Key Details:

  • Sleeveless denim vest with raw edge finishing at seams and hem

  • Repeated V-panel lines across vest and jeans for visual continuity

  • Double waistband detail on jeans adds layering depth

  • Relaxed fit denim with heavy fading and raw hem

  • Red woven logo label on back neck and waistband

  •  Bold, raw, and rhythmically constructed

Design Notes:

The sleeveless vest features raw-cut finishes at the armholes, hem, and V-shaped front paneling. Boxy chest pockets and exposed contrast stitching give it that classic Diesel utility feel. The jeans are cut in a relaxed fit with a double waistbandconstruction and matching V-seam detail at the knees. Raw hems and faded whiskers complete the look, bringing roughness and unity into one silhouette.

COLOR SKETCHES (Design & Color Reference)

WHITE D LOGO EMBROIDERY MOCKUP

TECHNICAL SKETCHES (Design Detail Reference)

WOVEN D LOGO TAG MOCKUP

COLLECTION OVERVIEW

NOTE FROM THE DESIGNER:

This self-initiated capsule "CHANNEL DIESEL" was created as a creative exploration of Diesel’s bold visual language — reimagining its iconic branding, raw denim attitude, and graphic intensity through my own lens. I wanted each look to feel like a different “broadcast” of identity, tapping into retro tech references, industrial finishes, and playful streetwear energy. From distorted logos to sharp seam details and tactile contrasts, CHANNEL DIESEL is about syncing texture, storytelling, and personality into wearable statements — gritty, confident, and unapologetically loud.

Thank you for taking the time to explore this project and experience my perspective through design.

KAI-CHEN WU | DESIGNER

The design portfolio only demonstrates professional performance. Photography presented is owned by the original company.

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