Plein Takes Over Fashion Week in Another “Epic?” Display

Philipp Plein held his much hyped fashion show on Monday February 11th at the Pool Room at 99 East 52nd street with a black tie dinner beginning at 9 PM. Plein who boasts 1.6 million Instagram followers is notorious for his fashion week spectacles and tonight he outdid even his over-the-top self. Plein, 41, is the king of bling embracing anything flashy and outrageous. The German fashion designer was studying law when he began designing luxury dog beds and furniture and using the leftover exotic leathers to make bags and accessories. His casual clothing brand was started in 2004 with his ready-to-wear label launching in 2008 along with couture.

In May 2016 Plein acquired a majority stake in the luxury men’s wear line Billionaire Couture and showcased his 3 separate brands Philipp Plein, Plein Sport and Billionaire Couture in June 2017 at 3 different Milan shows. His fashion shows cost millions as he hires the hottest entertainment and stages the most elaborate displays. Last year he featured robots, snow and spaceships at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and this year proved to be equally otherworldly. Plein is an entertainer as well as a designer and brings his theatrics to all his endeavors. His Instagram page flaunts his latest Rolls Royce and Lamborghini purchases along with homes in Cannes, Switzerland and Lexington Avenue and leaves tongues wagging as everyone questions how he is able to spend such exorbitant sums of money.

Although his label sells briskly in Moscow, Miami and Macau raking in $236 million in sales in 2015 his exploding empire is hard to explain especially in a fashion environment that is continually downsizing. While his designs may not be original as the diamond encrusted skulls and studded leather jackets have been ubiquitous for decades; he knows what his client wants– whether it is a bedazzled t-shirt or a fringe jacket and he delivers it in the most decadent way possible.

There was much anticipation for the show as rumors abounded that Kanye West was slated to perform but it was later revealed that Philipp was duped into forwarding close to a million dollars to a scam artist posing as a representative for Kanye. The crowds began forming a massive line before 9 PM as security was overwhelmed by the number of attendees which included Jonathan Cheban, Paris Hilton, Maluma and Bella Thorne who waltzed past the red carpet. Plein fails to attract the mega celebrities as his label is considered too tawdry for a major luminary to align themselves with. The venue which used to house The Four Seasons restaurant was lavishly elegant as one smashing guest after another walked into the vast space.

The first fashion show contained the Billionaire Couture brand as older male models ranging from 40-60 walked the runway in plush designs of velvet, snakeskin and silk-these men were mature, magnificent and fascinating to watch. The clothing was luxurious and elegant and was a one hundred and eighty degree turn from the Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe that he usually exudes. Kudos to Plein for veering so far from his comfort zone and executing it so effectively.

After some entertainment and dinner we were notified by Plein that the Plein brand fashion show would be beginning in twenty minutes. This collection was signature Plein with sequins, denim, leather and buckles. The space cowboy theme lent itself to loads of fringes and cowboy boots as the models sashayed by with a contagious confidence.

Plein always has the top models which tonight included Victoria’s Secret Angels Lais Ribeiro, Shanina Shaik, Grace Elizabeth, Gizele Oliveira, and Alanna Arrington. Plein clothed his models in sexy shorts and fringed skirts along with plaid maxi dresses and plaid jackets which was a nice departure from his signature denim and leather. He also showed lots of green fluorescents including puffer coats and sports ensembles that were modern, edgy and practical.

The models and staging were so professionally executed that the clothing dazzled even when they were less than spectacular. The camouflage coats and suits on the men were slightly cheesy but once again the perfect staging made up for the lackluster wares. The gloves, the zebra prints, the bedazzled fanny packs and the NY logo have all been done before by Gucci, Cavalli and others but you can’t help rooting for Plein as he adds a magic intangible element that has dumbfounded others.

When the show concluded we were treated to a performance by Lil Pump and Smokepurpp who were wearing Plein and had previously walked in the show-looking dazed and out of place. Lil Pump played his “classic” Kanye West hit “You’re Such a F–ing Hoe I Love It” as the crowd went wild.

At 11:30 PM after dinner and performances concluded Paris Hilton and dozens of others headed to the stage to dance and pose for pictures. This evening was undoubtedly a highlight of fashion week as Plein proves over and over the axiom that in order to make money you have to spend it — a trick he has clearly mastered.

Lieba Nesis

My love of fashion, writing and photography were something that always dominated my lifestyle however it wasn't until I was approached by the editor of Lookonline that I realized I could utilize these three skills in combination.