With uber talented Greek-born, London-based designer Sophia Kokosalaki now on board as the creative force behind Diesel Black Gold, it’s little surprise that Diesel is making a big push towards expanding the contemporary label’s reach. The new addition to the Diesel umbrella will now become a separate business division led by general manager Andrea Baldo, a company veteran who was recently appointed general manager.
Kokosalaki presented her debut Black Gold runway collection back in February when she showed a critically acclaimed Fall/Winter 2010 line at a never-before used warehouse on 41st Street. The designer brings her unique draping and sultry mix of sporty, feminine, and sexy looks to the label. Combined with Baldo’s business acumen will likely mean plenty of exciting developments in store for the brand. For starters, Black Gold will now be made near-exclusively from higher-end Italian fabrics, and also the label will be getting a new logo, a new shop-in-shop concept, and more accessories. An advertising campaign is also in development.
Diesel Black Gold pieces retail for between $300 and $550 for tailored jackets, and from $198 to $350 for dresses and jeans all of which will be displayed in a new contemporary setting described by Baldo as “different from Diesel’s and much more contemporary.”
Though she’s been around for over a decade, Kokosalaki has long been grossly overlooked. Who knew that it would be a partnership with Diesel that would begin getting her the attention she so rightly deserves?
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
