He is the king of over-the-top spectacles and the ruler of his own fashionable kingdom. Yes, Philipp Plein’s creations have been on our radar for a while now, and he has extended his innovative touch to the likes of Ciara and Eva Longoria. The German designer entered the dizzying world of fashion with his groundbreaking design, now known as the famed “Philipp Plein jacket”. But who really is the man whose reputation shot to the skies in such a short period?
Hold your breath because the designer’s juicy career is even more fabulous from the inside! In fact, you are in for a real treat, as the purveyor of exquisite style and glamor opens up about his past, his success and his recently launched active luxury wear for Men.
We gather you first started out by studying law and then went on to design furniture. What was it that made you switch direction?
I was at law school when I was twenty-years old and at the same time, I started my interior design business. Design is one of my biggest passions and I wasn’t really into legal studies; at first, I was designing luxury beds for dogs, then I moved to fashion. It was quite the transition.
What made you shift from furniture design to a high-end fashion design?
I started presenting my collection in the most important design fairs around Europe, such as Maison & Objet in Paris. At the time I already had a Swarovski skull design added to a successful line of cushions, so one day, I created a vintage military jacket with the same design to display in a closet I was showing at a fair. That day, I received more requests for the jacket than for the closet, which was a pleasant surprise. And that was the exact moment I decided to start designing fashion.
What do you think differentiates your line from other brands?
Philipp Plein is extremely different from other brands. My brand represents a lifestyle. You can buy a garment anywhere, but when you buy my brand you are living my dream, you become part of a specific community that is attracted to the PHILIPP PLEIN lifestyle.
What do you think is your signature style?
We are strong, different and always over the top.
Can you tell us about the first time you unveiled your collection at Milan Fashion Week?
I chose to create a real experience and not just a fashion show. At that time in Milan, in 2010 I felt that fashion shows had lost the element of fun, and I wanted to create a celebration along with my presentation. I chose a very original location; an old church and staged a fashion show right under the altar, followed by a big party.
What’s your secret to keeping your brand young and fun?
I love my job and I’m really having fun, and I think this is reflected in my brand and in my collections.
Can you tell us more about your recently-launched active luxury wear for men, “Plein Sport”?
I’ve studied active wear for years and noticed that just a few huge brands are controlling this market, while luxury brands haven’t really explored this field yet. The items that some of these brands have proposed are not for active wear and are very expensive. I wanted to fill the gap: my product is for action and performance but at the same time has a luxury touch and the price range is between commercial active wear brands and luxury collections.
PLEIN SPORT is not a second line. It’s an independent brand that wants to reach a different target group. You won’t find any Swarovski or studs, I want to keep it simple and basic and each piece has to be functional and perfect for action. The motto of the brand is “First rule no rule”.
Any tips you’d like to give our readers for succeeding in the fashion industry?
Believe in your dreams and never give up. If you don’t believe in your dreams, no one else will.
What are some of your upcoming projects?
I’m focused on the growth of my 3 brands. We are opening many new stores worldwide and we are planning to continue our expansion, especially in certain markets like the US.
Cindy Menassa
