The Italian brand Diesel regularly invests in young talent through the University Industry Project, an initiative bridging the gap between academic theory and the dynamic "premium casual" fashion market.
What is the Industry Project?
Launched in October 2025 and led by Santo Costanzo, coordinator of ACM's Fashion and Costume Design Area, and Luigi Mulas Debois, coordinator of ACM's Accessories Department, the Industry Project challenged students to develop a menswear, womenswear, and accessories collection based on the Diesel Behind the Denim brief. Through research, experimentation, material innovation, and creative development, participants explored and reinterpreted the brand's distinctive design language.
The Industry Project developed by Accademia Costume & Moda (ACM) in collaboration with Diesel concluded at the Diesel and OTB headquarters in Breganze. The initiative engaged third-year students from ACM's BA in Costume & Fashion in a design journey dedicated to exploring and reinterpreting the brand's codes through a contemporary lens.
The final pitch of the finalists and the winner
The six finalists, including Daniela Marie Kempf, Fabiola Paterno Castello San Giuliano, Riccardo Mori, Simone Iacovacci, Simonluca Nardi, and Sofia Tatti, presented their projects directly to Glenn Martens, creative director of Diesel; Renzo Rosso, founder and chairman of the OTB Group; and Andrea Rigogliosi, ceo of Diesel. Following the final review, one student was selected to undertake an internship at Diesel, transforming an academic project into a tangible professional opportunity.
Over the course of six months, the students had the opportunity to work closely with the Diesel team, gaining first-hand insight into the dynamics and processes that define today's fashion industry. The project was overseen by Veronica Ossanna, studio director; Massimiliano Napolitano, head of Ready-to-Wear & Denim Collection; and Rina Tollio, OTB Creative Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding manager, who guided the class from the initial briefing through to the final selection.
"The opportunity to work closely with companies that are helping redefine the contemporary fashion landscape is one of the most valuable aspects of our educational approach," said Lupo Lanzara, president of Accademia Costume & Moda. "Experiences such as this enable students to engage with real expectations, processes and industry professionals, equipping them with the awareness and skills that are essential for their future careers."
Creating links between education and the fashion industry
The Industry Project further reinforces Accademia Costume & Moda's commitment to building meaningful connections between education and industry, offering students direct engagement with companies, professionals, and organisations that represent excellence across the sector. "Our goal has always been to create genuine opportunities for our students and support them in the transition from education to professional practice," concludes Furio Francini. "Collaborations such as the one with Diesel demonstrate the value of an educational model built on continuous dialogue with industry and on the ability to transform talent into tangible opportunities for professional growth and career development."
Photo: the finalists of the Industry Project with Glenn Martens
