Diesel concludes the second season of its docuseries Behind the Denim with Episode 8, Dish the Dirt, a hands-on look at denim care, repair, and circularity. The series, which focuses on extending the life of denim through responsible practices, follows host Lea Ogunlami as she learns how small lifestyle adjustments can reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
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Set at Diesel’s headquarters in Breganze, Italy, the episode opens with a practical scenario: laundry day. Lea meets with Diesel’s denim experts to examine her washing habits and discover their long-term consequences. They explain that frequent washing and tumble drying account for a large portion of a garment’s carbon footprint. By washing jeans every ten wears instead of two, and opting for a 30-degree cycle, consumers can cut water and carbon use by up to 80 percent. This approach keeps fabrics strong, colors intact, and denim in rotation for years rather than months.
The episode continues with a focus on mending. Lea practices basic repair techniques, learning how simple stitching and patching can revive well-loved pieces. Diesel’s team emphasizes that repair should be a creative act, an opportunity to personalize garments rather than discard them. Within this framework, repair becomes a design choice that honors craftsmanship and responsibility in equal measure.
Returning to Diesel HQ, Lea reunites with Creative Director Glenn Martens to present her handiwork. Their conversation expands into a broader discussion on circular fashion, culminating in the introduction of Diesel Loves Lee, a collaboration that redefines what it means for competitors to cooperate. The project gives unsold inventory from both brands a new purpose by fusing two halves into one hybrid pair of jeans: one side Diesel, the other Lee. Each garment becomes a literal and conceptual union of shared industry responsibility.
For Martens, the collaboration represents incremental but meaningful progress. “Small steps,” he says, “but we’re getting there.” His words echo the ethos behind Behind the Denim, that sustainability advances through practice, awareness, and persistence rather than perfection.
With Dish the Dirt, Diesel closes this chapter of Behind the Denim on a note of accountability and optimism. By framing care, repair, and creative reuse as everyday acts, the brand reinforces its ongoing commitment to denim circularity. The full series is available to stream at Diesel.com, inviting viewers to rethink their relationship with one of fashion’s most durable materials.
