Philipp Plein Fashion designer Country: Germany

Biography of Philipp Plein

Philipp Plein, whose real name is Philipp Patrick Plein, was born in 1978 in Munich, Germany. From a young age, his parents tried to instill an interest in art in Philipp, taking him to various museums, exhibitions, and fashion shows both in Germany and abroad. After graduating from Gymnasium Schloss Salem near Lake Bodensee, he enrolled at Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany.

In 1998, the young designer began creating exclusive furniture pieces for his family and friends. A few years later, in 2004, he launched his first clothing collection. Shortly after, he opened his first store, named 'Nobel P1', in his hometown of Munich.

In 2008, Plein stunned audiences at the 'Germany's Next Topmodel' show in Barcelona with his heavy-metal-inspired clothing collection. Just a year later, the internationally renowned designer partnered with the famous American toy company, Mattel, to create a full line of clothing for Barbie's 50th birthday. The collection, named 'Philipp Plein-Barbie', was showcased on February 4, 2009, at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany.

In June 2010, Plein collaborated with the popular American model and actress, Mischa Barton, for a photoshoot. He announced that Barton would become the face of his next fashion collection and stated, "Most young and beautiful girls, after tasting fame, lose themselves a little. Mischa Barton has experienced it all and learned to live in the glow of her own fame. It was a great challenge for me to make her forget all that and make her feel like a Rock-n-Roll Diva and Goddess again."

Despite being at the dawn of his career, Plein has already received several awards, including 'GQ Awards National Brand of the Year' and first place in the 'New Faces' show in the fashion category.