It’s all neon and noir in the world of Philipp Plein. With a flair for dramatics, the designer’s head-turning creations deliver luxury with an edge and burst of pop that’s, let’s face it, just so LA. ¶ Born in Munich in 1978, Plein found a fascination for art, architecture and travel at an early age. He got his start working with leather and steel furnishings, which soon turned into experimentations with hard and soft leather garments and accessories. Abandoning his law studies for fashion, he launched his own label in 2004. Two major milestones followed with the opening of his first flagship store in Monte Carlo and first commercial showroom in Milan in 2008. Philipp Plein, the man and the brand, soon commanded the scene with his innovative aesthetic, combining young rock ‘n’ roll style with lush luxury fabrics and quality craftsmanship. ¶ Plein, who makes his home in Lugano, Switzerland, stands out as a savvy and affluent designer with a finger on the pulse of what’s happening on trend, while pushing the limits. He’s curator of wild parties and supercharged store openings that combine his love of entertainment, fun and culture. It seems his message is being heard around the world loud and clear, and now Plein is bringing it to Beverly Hills with his latest store, which opened on Rodeo Drive in October. Now that he’s set up shop in Los Angeles, he likes to spend time in Bel-Air and hit the waves in Malibu. –Courtney Fortune
