Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Vlad
Renzo Rosso built his wealth by turning a small denim idea into a global fashion empire. He became rich by founding Diesel in 1978 and later growing OTB Group, a multi-brand fashion house that now earns over $2 billion each year.
From making jeans on his mum’s sewing machine at 15 to building a $4.1 billion fortune, Rosso’s story shows how creativity, risk-taking, and persistence can shape extraordinary success.
What makes his journey remarkable is how he transformed denim from simple workwear into a luxury lifestyle. Diesel didn’t just sell jeans – it sold confidence, rebellion, and individuality through bold marketing and premium craftsmanship.
Today, Rosso’s fortune extends far beyond Diesel. His OTB Group owns major luxury labels including Maison Margiela, Jil Sander, and Viktor & Rolf. This smart diversification has kept his empire strong while giving him influence across global fashion.
Key Takeaways
- Founded Diesel in 1978 and turned it into a premium global brand.
- Built OTB Group, owning luxury fashion houses such as Maison Margiela, Jil Sander, and Viktor & Rolf.
- Revolutionised denim through creative marketing and craftsmanship.
- Diversified investments across tech, e-commerce, property, and hospitality.
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Brugine
Renzo Rosso was born on 15 September 1955 in Brugine, Italy’s Veneto region.
His parents were farmers, and as a boy he helped his father in the fields after school. The hard work taught him discipline but also convinced him he wanted a different life.
At 10, he started breeding rabbits to earn pocket money – a small glimpse of the entrepreneur he’d later become.
Industrial Textile Studies
At 15, Rosso enrolled at the Marconi Technical Institute in Padua, studying industrial textile manufacturing.
Here, he stitched his first pair of jeans on his mother’s sewing machine – low-waisted, bell-bottoms that his friends soon wanted to buy.
These experiments gave him hands-on knowledge of denim fabrics, fit, and style preferences among young people.
University of Venice
In 1973, Rosso began studying economics at the University of Venice.
He worked part-time jobs, including carpentry and mechanics, before leaving university early when an opportunity arose at Moltex, a local trouser manufacturer. That decision launched his fashion career.
Launching Diesel and Revolutionising Denim
Joining Moltex and Meeting Adriano Goldschmied
In 1975, Rosso joined Moltex, part of the Genius Group run by designer Adriano Goldschmied, who soon became his mentor. Rosso’s flair for denim treatment quickly stood out, and within two years he was given a chance to co-found a new company.
He borrowed money from his father to buy a 40% stake in Moltex – his first serious investment.
Founding Diesel
In 1978, Diesel was born. The name was chosen because “diesel” was understood worldwide and symbolised alternative energy – a perfect metaphor for Rosso’s vision of alternative fashion.
Diesel targeted those who wanted something edgier than ordinary jeans. By the early 2000s, CNN called Diesel “the first brand to truly embrace the global village.”
Elevating Denim to Luxury
Rosso’s innovation came from experimenting with new washes, stone-treatments, and sandpaper finishes. He turned rugged denim into high-end fashion, making distressed jeans desirable and expensive.
By the late 1980s, Diesel had become a status symbol. Jeans once meant for labourers now appeared on runways.
Diesel’s Global Expansion and Bold Marketing
Global Campaigns and Early Internet Use
Diesel was one of the first fashion brands to launch a website (1995) and online store (1997). Renzo’s idea of selling a lifestyle rather than just clothing helped Diesel appeal to youth worldwide.
Flagship Stores and Expansion
Rosso opened Diesel’s first international shop opposite a Levi’s store on Manhattan’s Lexington Avenue – a bold challenge to the industry giant.
By the 2000s, Diesel stores had appeared in New York, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo, with more than 100 million pairs of jeans sold globally.
Creative Collaborations
Diesel’s advertising blurred art and fashion.
In 2002, Rosso teamed with Karl Lagerfeld for a limited denim collection that sold out within a week.Other partnerships, such as the Fuel for Life fragrance with L’O réal and the Fiat 500 by Diesel, extended the brand far beyond clothing.
Building the OTB Group
Formation of Only The Brave
In 2002, Rosso created Only The Brave (OTB) to manage his growing portfolio.
It allowed him to acquire and oversee multiple fashion houses under one umbrella.
By 2013, it rebranded simply as OTB Group, reflecting broader ambitions beyond Diesel.
Key Acquisitions
- Maison Margiela (2002): Revitalised the brand and expanded into accessories and perfumes.
- Viktor & Rolf: Added avant-garde flair to the portfolio.
- Marni: Introduced Italian artistry and luxury craftsmanship.
- Jil Sander: Strengthened OTB’s minimalist and refined image.
- Amiri: Brought modern Los Angeles street luxury into the mix.
OTB also owns Staff International, which manufactures for high-end labels, and Brave Kid, which produces children’s fashion lines.
Diversified Investments and Business Ventures
Red Circle Investments
Rosso founded Red Circle Investments, named after the English meaning of his surname (“Rosso” = red).
Through this fund, he became a major investor in H-Farm, a tech incubator that develops startups across Europe, the US, and Asia.
Red Circle also invested early in Yoox, later merging with Net-a-Porter to form a leading online luxury retailer – one of Rosso’s most profitable digital moves.
Hospitality and Property
Rosso invested in premium hospitality projects, especially in Italy’s fashion hubs.
These properties host events, pop-ups, and fashion showcases that tie directly into his luxury branding.
Football and Community Engagement
Rosso owns L.R. Vicenza Virtus, an Italian football club from his home region.
His focus on sustainable management mirrors his business philosophy – building long-term success and supporting local youth programs.
Under his ownership, the club has achieved league wins and strengthened community ties.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
The OTB Foundation
Founded in 2008, the OTB Foundation funds projects in disaster relief, education, and women’s empowerment. Rosso personally covers all administrative costs so that 100% of donations go to the causes themselves.
Impact at a glance:
- 250+ projects completed
- 300,000+ people helped
- Key partners: UNICEF and Millennium Promise
Notable efforts include Italy’s COVID-19 relief programs, Afghan women relocation initiatives, and the €5 million restoration of Venice’s Rialto Bridge.
Renzo Rosso’s Net Worth and Legacy
As of end of October 2025, Forbes estimated Rosso’s net worth at around $4.1 billion. His fortune stems mainly from Diesel and OTB, supported by diversified holdings through Red Circle.
Rosso’s rise reshaped global fashion. He elevated denim into luxury, proved Italian brands could rule global casualwear, and inspired countless designers to mix craftsmanship with attitude.
He continues to lead OTB Group and remains a symbol of creative entrepreneurship.
What We Can Learn from Renzo Rosso
- Start small and learn by doing. He began sewing jeans as a teen.
- Pick the right mentors. Adriano Goldschmied taught him the ropes.
- Think global early. “Diesel” worked in every language.
- Adopt new tech fast. He launched Diesel’s online store back in 1997.
- Sell a lifestyle, not just a product. Diesel stood for rebellion and confidence.
- Diversify wisely. OTB’s mix of luxury brands keeps his empire stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Renzo Rosso build his wealth?
Through smart brand building, bold acquisitions, and diversified investments across fashion, tech, and lifestyle. He grew Diesel into a global label and founded OTB Group, now worth billions.
What business ventures made him rich?
He borrowed money from his father to buy into Moltex, later renamed Diesel.
He then created Red Circle Investments, owns L.R. Vicenza Virtus football club, and operates Diesel Farm winery.
How did Diesel grow under his leadership?
Rosso turned Diesel into a global lifestyle brand through daring advertising and premium denim.
Ripped and treated jeans became luxury fashion staples under his watch.
Which fashion brands does OTB Group own?
Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf, Jil Sander, and Amiri.
It also runs Staff International and Brave Kid, employing over 6,000 people worldwide.
How did his leadership style impact success?
He led with creativity over formality — often in jeans and boots at board meetings.
His authenticity and risk-taking inspired trust and kept Diesel relevant.
What are the major financial milestones in his career?
- 1978 – Founded Diesel
- 1985 – Gained full ownership
- 1990s – Global expansion
- 2002 – Formed OTB Group
- 2015 – Profited from Yoox Net-a-Porter merger
Today, his wealth sits at USD $4.1 billion, sustained by his fashion and investment ventures.
Final Thoughts
Renzo Rosso’s life shows what happens when creativity meets courage.
From a farmer’s son sewing jeans in a small Italian village to leading one of the world’s most influential fashion groups, he proved that success grows from passion, persistence, and bold thinking.
Rosso’s story isn’t just about jeans – it’s about vision, belief, and hard work. Understanding how Renzo Rosso got rich reminds us that success often starts with simple ideas and persistence.