In the era of “Less is More”, which seeks to eliminate excess, Philipp Plein reigns supreme in the art of maximalism. This fashion outsider, who entered the industry at the age of 20, swims against the current and shines his name worldwide. His studded, torn pieces and rhinestone skulls have made him a multimillionaire. He doesn’t reinvent fashion; he disrupts and cultivates it as a business. Philipp Plein epitomizes nonconformity. His taste for flashy luxury has earned him the nickname “King of Bling”. But behind his provocative, somewhat megalomaniacal facade, the designer is a loving and accessible family man. For a day, our team delved into the private life of the Bavarian maestro, in the heart of his sumptuous Cannes residence dubbed “La Jungle du Roi”.
"The King’s Jungle"
It took us less than a minute to grasp the magnitude of the Philipp Plein phenomenon upon arrival at his home. Majestic entrance, imposing sculptures, abundant palm trees, dazzling fountains, gigantic pool, Rococo interior – everything about the artist embodies what he himself defines as the “Philipp Plein dream”. This trend of excess has made him the idol of affluent younger generations in search of identity – “I’m a dreamer, I’m a believer, I’m a working class hero”, he asserts. Despite often being scorned by his peers, even becoming the most controversial designer of modern times, this is Philipp Plein’s secret: “doing something different to succeed” and living his brand. His 3 million Instagram followers would certainly agree.
We take advantage of this privileged moment with the creator to inquire about his success. He talks to us about his empire headquartered in Lugano, his brands – Philipp Plein, Plein Sport and Billionaire – and takes us back to the origin of his success: 20,000 Deutsche Marks entrusted by his grandmother to start. In 2004, Philipp Plein unveiled his first ready-to-wear collection. Five years later, he opened a showroom in Milan and his very first flagship store in Monte Carlo. Today, the Philipp Plein group is valued at nearly 800 million euros. Enough to make his detractors green with envy, especially considering he wasn’t destined to conquer the runways. Because the German in his forties once contemplated becoming a lawyer. A whimsical idea overtaken by a thirst for success, initially satisfied by interior furniture design. Fashion, he stumbled into “by mistake”, and he’s grateful for it.
With an estimated fortune ranging between 200 and 300 million francs, Philipp Plein could afford a luxurious early retirement. He confides in us, “I’ve fulfilled my materialistic dreams: I’ve owned the cars I wanted, I’ve acquired the houses I desired, and I’ve come to understand over time that there are more important things in life”. His true wealth today are his sons – Romeo from his former partner Fernanda Rigon, Rouge and Rocket, from his recent partner Lucia Bartoli, who all together live a modern patchwork-similar life. “Of all the titles I have been privileged to have, “Daddy” has always been the best”, he confirms. As an attentive, loving, and protective father, Philipp Plein now cherishes the luxury of time spent with his loved ones, a time that money cannot buy.
Thus, the portrait of the man we met emerges: a self-taught stylist, business magnate, extravagant yet accessible figure, and a good family man. Philipp Plein stands out and surprises. And that’s an understatement when we recall the evening spent at his home for the launch of his new perfume.
A grand event that mesmerized us, given the boundless vision of the man – he will soon inaugurate his eponymous first hotel in Milan. And if Philipp Plein’s philosophy of “Bling is More”, which we’re tempted to embrace given our appreciation for the character, was a path to fulfillment?
