Glenn Martens is never one to do things by halves, whether it’s building a mountain of Durex condoms, hosting a 7,000 people strong outdoor rave or a 72-hour long live stream, every single one of his Diesel shows has been a full-throttle experience. This season, the world record-breaking inflatable doll designed by Studio Dennis from the brand’s SS23 show made a return, this time transformed into the biggest graffiti installation to date, illustrated by 7,800 graffiti artists from the world – setting yet another record.

Found via an open call, the artists were given full creative freedom to transform the towering figure as they saw fit, resulting in a vibrant mix of neon hues and kitsch graphics. Each guest received a can of bright red spray paint as their invitation – we’re unsure if anyone added to the venue installation. “I love that thousands of people around the world have worked together to create the set design,” said Martens. “We gave the global street art collective complete creative freedom – they expressed themselves each in their own way, on a project that’s taken months to achieve. This is the true democracy of Diesel.”

A piercing Nokia-like beat composed by Senjan Jansen filled the show space like a menacing circus glitch, as Martens’ army of zombie-eyed, graffiti-smiling (Joker-style) models hit the runway in a series of distinctly Diesel looks. Denim was eroded, distressed and shredded, jeans were slung devilishly low on the hips (only staying in place thanks to internal underwear) and jacquard denim pieces formed butt-skimming micro hot pants. Houndstooth formed bandeaus and outerwear, woven to appear layered and distressed, and bouclé was mistreated, frayed and printed on Lycra to mimic shirts. Traditional tailoring was collarless and raw-cut while everyday essentials were subverted by extremities – hoodies were ultra-padded and wrapped like a shawl, leather jackets were boiled to appear as 3D structures and rubber trompe l’oeil bodysuits emulated cable-knit sweaters.