Philipp Plein’s story: founding the company

Fashion designer Philipp Plein was born in Munich on February 16, 1978. Alongside the legend Karl Lagerfeld, he is one of the most successful and well-known designers in Germany and it is hard to imagine the fashion industry without him. He has definitely made a name for himself with his unusual pieces, and his pieces are recognizable at first glance!

In 1998, he founded his company International AG, which is now based in Switzerland. Before that, Plein studied law, but he didn’t seem to want to do that in the long term! He started designing furniture and then bags and accessories. In 2003, he was given the opportunity to design the lounge for Moet & Chandon at the German CPD trade fair in Düsseldorf. There he took his chance and sold his accessories, which he designed from old leather, for the first time.

The rest is history!

The last show of Philipp Plein:

Creation of his brands: Philipp Plein, Plein Sport and Billionaire

Shortly afterwards, he founded his fashion brand. Since 2004, he has been known for his extravagant, rocking “bling bling fashion”. Almost all of his garments feature skulls and plenty of rhinestones. In addition to his main fashion brand, which bears his name, his agency now includes Plein Sport and Billionaire. The brands cater to both men and women as well as the juniors among us. Billionaire is the only brand among them that focuses exclusively on men’s fashion. In addition to clothing and bags, you will also find shoes and fragrances in his store – so there should be something suitable for everyone!

• Born on 16.02.1978 in Munich
• One of the most famous fashion designers in Germany
• Founded company in 2004 (International AG)
• Philipp Plein, Plein Sport & Billionaire = International AG
• Fashion for men, women & kids

Its brands

The 42-year-old designer’s fashion is recognizable at first glance – there’s always a lot going on!

“I don’t want to be a follower. I want to be ME!”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

And that is precisely the reason why his fashion is highly recognizable and can keep up with the biggest brands. Plein always tries to come up with something new.

In addition to his main brand, his agency also includes two other brands:

Philipp Plein

The brand is known for its unusual pieces. From leather jackets, T-shirts, jeans and sweaters to rhinestone and skull studded rucksacks – everything is eye-catching and extravagant – just like you know it!

Plein Sport

Plein’s sports brand offers just about everything you need for sport: sports bras, sports leggings, tops, outdoor jackets and shoes. With sportswear like this, it’s easy to fight your inner weaker self, isn’t it?

Billionaire

The Billionaire brand is aimed at men who can radiate self-confidence and want to put themselves in the limelight with chic clothing.

“Billionaire represents an extravagant and sumptuous wardrobe for men with a certain maturity, who radiate self-confidence and are not ashamed of their ambitions.”

(Source: billionairecouture.com)

So this description clearly shows what kind of men should be found in the clothing of the fire!

Philipp Plein: As conceited as they always say?

He is known for his many tattoos, his well-trained body and his swanky watch! But is that all he has to offer?

Plein has always been a “dreamer”: he always wanted to aim high and realize his dreams – that was and is his greatest motivation. Many interpret his single-minded attitude as arrogance. Plein explains what you should bear in mind with his “strategy”:

“You always have to be able to dream new dreams. I always try to achieve one dream after another. But I know that dreams are never as beautiful in reality as they are in fantasy. Once you understand that, you can deal with it well.”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

He also sees a lot of potential in his brand. For him, this is just the beginning. Despite this attitude, he – together with his team – is very realistic. They seem to know how much room for improvement there is: and a lot of it, according to Plein himself! He knows exactly when he can launch something on the market – he says it’s always when people aren’t expecting it. He stands for unusual fashion where there is a lot going on! Plein rarely talks about himself alone as a brand. For him, the brand means his team, not a single person:

“Yes, we at Philipp Plein are a team, a young team”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

• Has a specific strategy
• Always wants to make his dreams and goals come true
• Works in a team, not alone

Well thought-out strategy brings him success

So his whole attitude seems to be very well thought out and determined! He builds on his team and dreams until he

can fulfill them. He often throws around arrogant remarks, which he himself takes with humor. He says he wants to take over the world: For him, that means having a store in every city. And he is far from complaining about the presence of his stores:

Collections and stores – major development

Philipp Plein:

• Fashion designer known for extravagant pieces.
• Founded Unternehmen International AG in 1998.
• Brands: Philipp Plein, Plein Sport, Billionaire.
• Special trademarks: Skulls, rhinestones.
• Collections presented at fashion weeks.

Achievements:

• First collection: military jackets with Swarovski skulls (Paris).
• Introduction of the accessories line (2006).
• Couture collection (2008).
• Heavy Metal collection on Germany’s Next Topmodel (2008).
• Collaboration with Mattel for Philipp Plein Barbie (2009).
• Opening of the first store in Monte Carlo (2009).
• Expansion with boutiques and stores worldwide.

Battle for son Romeo Prince: reunion after four years

Philipp Plein spent four years fighting for his little son Romeo Prince, who is now seven years old. The child’s mother (Fernanda Rigon) took him to her home country of Brazil in 2014 to keep him away from his father. Plein fought against her with numerous lawyers – to no avail! He only wanted his son to experience one thing: a mother and father who could look after him and give him a stable family life. After four years, this battle finally seems to be over and he can finally hold his son in his arms again!

Plein in love: this is his girlfriend

Girlfriend Lucia Bartoli is always by his side everywhere he goes: whether in Cannes, Lugano or New York – there are three places he calls home! Ever since he finally introduced her to the public, she has never left his side! In an interview, when asked what she does for a living, Lucia replies that she is a “full-time girlfriend”! I wonder if Plein likes to hear such an answer in an interview with his girlfriend!

Numerous surprises

Plein likes to surprise his sweetheart “here and there”: whether at home or on an airplane – the two of them seem to be on cloud nine everywhere! Despite his tight schedule, he likes to make time for his girlfriend.

“I try to surprise them as often as possible.”

Lucia adores her designer boyfriend and says she misses him when they are apart. In an interview with RTL, the two claim that their “love secret” is that they are stuck together and it’s funny when they are apart – if that’s not an unusual attitude!

Fashion Inspiration Julia is like this

How many tattoos does Julia have then? In this interview we talk about fashion, tattoos, travel and content creation. Fashion is Julia’s passion. She always looks great, so we asked her where she stores for her outfits and what accessory she can’t leave the house without. We also talked about Coachella, because everyone who is on Instagram or TikTok knows about the festival! But is it really worth it or is it just hype? And what does she actually love about her job and to what extent will it change in the next few years? These are exactly the questions Julia answers for us. In addition, we talk about her favorite travel destinations and hotspots that you should definitely visit and do! All this and more you can find out here in this interview!

• Julia’s Instagram

Julia’s favorites get under your skin

FIV: Hello dear Julia, we are glad that the interview worked out today. Then we want to start directly with the first question. On your social media channels you always show your tattoos. Which of your tattoos do you like the most? Do you perhaps already have another tattoo in planning?

JULIA: I have a total of 10 small tattoos and I love each one in its own way. But special for me are for example my two tattoos on the right arm, because I have stung in Thailand. Just as the two tattoos (palm & LA), since I have stung these in LA and the hibiscus flower from Ibiza. And of course the name of my dog Abbey!!! I love the idea of getting tattoos done in places that are special to me or have brought a memorable time. For this reason, my next tattoo is already in a few days, because I’m sitting right here in Cape Town and I love this city over everything. It will be the tattoo: 111 which means Trust and Intuition and the second small tattoo I still have to think about, but should have something to do with Cape Town.

Photo: Julia Kammerer / Fab4Media

Coachella: a vibe or just hype?

FIV: How nice that you can attribute meaning to each tattoo. You were at Coachella this year. Would you like to summarize your experience for us? Is it just hype or is it really worth it?

JULIA: Oh my God!! I still can’t believe I was there. It’s always been a dream of mine and when I watch the videos now, I get goosebumps. I can realize it better in the aftermath than in the moment, because that was so many impressions for me. I think it is EVERYWHERE worth it. I love creating the outfits, of course. You can really let loose without feeling overdressed. There you are not judged, it runs there everything from basic to completely crazy rum.
The positive vibe is just so much to feel and the backdrop alone, which looks like a movie screen by the way, is worth it. I also think it’s mega cool to see so many stars at once!!! Just seeing mega stars this year like Billi Eilish, Harry Styles, The Weekend and many more was so rad! When do you see so people times within 3 days?
Of course, it also makes a lot of difference with whom you are there. And since we were a big group, it was of course a lot of fun!

Photo: Julia Kammerer / Fab4Media

Fashion: affordable with expensive accessories

FIV: So definitely a vibe. It really makes everyone jealous! Fashion plays a big role for you on your social media channels. Where do you prefer to buy your outfits?

JULIA: Oh yes, that’s right! I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. I’m very variable when it comes to style, so I can’t say the style is exactly mine.
It’s the same for me with the stores. Basically I love it but expensive with affordable to combine, so I love Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Cos, Reserved and really much more haha. Really can’t make up my mind. But I think Zara is already my favorite. … and exactly these outfits I like to combine with designer accessories, such as shoes, bags and glasses.

Accessory Must Haves: Bag & Sunglasses

FIV: Since you’re mentioning expensive accessories, what accessory can’t you leave the house without?

JULIA: Bag and sunglasses!!! Enhances any outfit and is also, I would say times, very practical haha.

Content Creation: Passion as a Profession

FIV: Now we’d like to talk a bit about your job in content creation in general. What do you love about your job as a content creator?

JULIA: I love so much about it and am incredibly grateful to be able to call this passion my job. I still don’t realize that sometimes. Having worked as a model before, I really appreciate how good and open my working relationship is with my management. They are like friends and family and employers at the same time. I didn’t know that before. Also, I think it’s great that brands book you because they like you as a person and character and also appreciate what you present on your channel. I really enjoy living out my passion for fashion and inspiring thousands of people with my lifestyle every day. In addition, through this job you have the opportunity to help others, no matter on what topic related, just as you can draw attention to important things that concern you. I’m incredibly grateful for my community and the positive feedback I receive on a daily basis. I am so happy when I can help someone, inspire or just have a positive thought a day through me and my content. Another very important point is that it gives me the opportunity to experience so many unforgettable moments that I could hardly dream of before. I get to meet so many great people and places that inspire me and move me forward in life as a person. I could list a thousand more things haha, believe me.

Photo: Julia Kammerer / Fab4Media

Changes of the job in the next years

FIV: How do you think your job will change in the next few years?

JULIA: I think it will all become much more “crass” and professional. Of course, I hope it won’t change for the worse, but I can’t imagine that.
I just think you always have to be open to changing or adapting things.

Social media: Instagram, TikTok or YouTube?

FIV: You are a content creator on various platforms. Which platform do you enjoy the most and why?

JULIA: I’m on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube. However, I’m not really active on the last two. Would love to expand both though. I would love to upload vlogs of travels, make up tutorials and cooking videos on YouTube. Have also already practiced a bit and maybe what comes from Cape Town and the safari online.
I currently enjoy Instagram the most, because I’m just in the “game” and I love the combination of pictures, short videos, etc.. I think it’s a mix of aesthetics and yet a lot of personal, I like that!

Photo: Julia Kammerer / Fab4Media

Favorite travel destinations: LA, Cape Town, Iceland, …

FIV: You’ve traveled a lot because of your job. What has been your favorite destination so far and why?

JULIA: Puhhhh… that is very difficult. I love, as already mentioned with the tattoo, Cape Town, because the city or the environment is just magical for me. It is, I think, one of the most beautiful places I have been to. (Second time here now) LA/Coachella was a dream come true for me, but definitely Iceland as well. When I heard I got to go there with one of my clients, I almost lost it. It was just unbelievable. This nature that I was allowed to see there and as a crowning glory the northern lights, was already something very special.

Julia’s Must “Do and See” Hotspots in South Africa

FIV: From your current favorite travel destination, can you tell us hotspots that our readers should definitely know about?

JULIA: In South Africa, I can definitely recommend going on safari, preferably in Kruger National Park. In Cape Town you have to visit Clifton/Camps Bay and watch the sunset. Hike on Lionshead and drive up Table Mountain. Going to the wine region to eat and drink wine. Horse riding at Long Beach. Visit the Penguin Beach in Simons Town. Visit Cape Point or the Cape of Good Hope. Attend a concert at the Botanical Garden. Drive Chapmans Peak Drive and and and.

Typical Julia: animals, justice & fun

FIV: Last but not least, we’d like to get to know you a little better. What is so typical of Julia?

JULIA: When I ask my family, boyfriends, girlfriends, they always say that I am a very open, positive person and that I infect others with my happy charisma. I am very compassionate and an absolute animal person. I love animals more than anything and I stand up for them. Above all, I stand very much for justice and am a really loyal person because of it. They also said I’m definitely a family man, but in need of harmony hehe. I’m almost always in a good mood, fun and laughter definitely can not be missing, often I also have my 5 minutes / crazy times haha.

FIV: Thanks again for your time and the great interview! We wish you all the best on your way!

Photo: Julia Kammerer / Fab4Media

More interviews

Did you like the interview with Julia? Then you can find more exciting interviews here!

Kim Hnizdo interview: Her thoughts on model business

About six years ago, Kim from Bad Homburg was able to prove herself against thousands of girls and won the 11th season of “Germany’s next Topmodel”. Since then, she has worked internationally as a model and travels all over the world. Mental health, but also support and empowerment especially among women are of high importance to her. Thus, Kim is committed to social projects and has recently become the newest Ambassador of “Women For Women International”. Kim talks to our magazine about the German and international model industry. The model has always wanted to see the world and get out of German comfort. Through her job she achieves all that and in addition always gets to know new places, new people and new challenges. Of course, we also talked to her about “Germany’s next Topmodel”. We asked her what she thinks of the show as a winner and how open she is to radical change today. We also questioned whether she would have gone this way even without GNTM, because before the show she actually chose a different path. Last but not least, we talked to Kim about mental health and her values. How Kim thinks about these things and much more, you can find out here in this interview!

• Kim Hnizdo in interview

Photo: Kim Hnizdo

Itsonlyme.julia in interview: About Food Content, Weight Watchers & Plan B

On Julia’s social media channels Instagram and TikTok you can find delicious and low-calorie recipes for weight loss. In addition to food content, she also shares her fallouts with her nearly 500,000 followers. However, she is not only a food content creator, but also an author, as she has already published four cookbooks with also delicious and low-calorie recipes and manages her own weight loss course “Plan B”. In this interview with our magazine, we talked to Julia about shopping, recipes and Weight Watchers. She also tells us about her signature dish and her favorite recipe from her cookbooks. Hard to believe, but Julia lost over 38kg in just eight months with the help of Weight Watchers. So she shares her experience with Weight Watchers and introduces her books. Last but not least, we talk about tips to deal with precipitation better. All this and more in this interview!

• Itsonlyme.julia in interview

Photo: David Lovric

Who is the girl with the dark, bushy eyebrows?

Cara Jocelyn Delevingne was born on August 12, 1992 in London. The 1.73m tall acting and modeling talent has two sisters and one brother and comes from a not entirely unknown family. Cara’s mother was a model and it-girl herself and her father a real estate developer. Grandfather Jocelyn Stevens was founder of Radio Caroline and former editor of the magazine “Queen” – from him obviously comes Delevingnes second name. Actress Joan Collins, known from the TV series “The Denver Clan”, is her godmother – no wonder she likes to follow in the footsteps of acting and the modeling world.

She is known for her eye-catching eyebrows and her many tattoos, with which she adorns herself abundantly all over her body. Besides her talent as a model and actress Cara is very musical. She plays instruments like drums and guitar and even sings. So she recognized her passion for the film and music business early on and knew directly that she was above modeling.

“I like fashion, but I love, love, love music and film; they are my two passions. I would love to pursue my acting and my love of music more than anything.

(Source: BrainyQuote.de)

A difficult past and outing

Delevingne calls herself a pansexual and has officially been in a relationship with Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson since 2019. Up to this point, it was already rumored whether there might be more than just friendship between the two! They already met in 2018 at the film set of “Her Smell”. According to Cara Delevingne herself, the two of them did not look for it, but found each other anyway – as is well known to happen so often in life. Nevertheless, it was not easy to accept that. For years she denied her bisexuality because she was afraid to fully reveal her personality and thus be different from the others. The relationship between the two blondes broke up not too long ago.

In addition to her sexuality, Delevingne had a nervous breakdown at the age of 15 and was struggling with psychological problems. She herself says that it was never due to a bad upbringing or her schools – she had it good in her parents’ home. Nevertheless, it was not easy for her: Her mother was a heroin addict and Cara did not know who to talk to about all her complaints.

Fortunately, after this difficult time, Cara was able to get back on her feet. Her slogan, which she wrote in her Instagram biography, reflects her current attitude very well: “Embrace your weirdness STOP LABELLING START LIVING”. This is how her career as a model could begin:

Career as a model and actress – hard-won or bonus from family?

Let’s look back at 2010: Delevingne started her modeling career with catalog shots for the fall/winter collection of ASOS, after she was discovered by Sarah Doukas, founder of the modeling agency “Storm”. Shortly after she was hired by Christopher Bailey for the catwalk, the model got a job as the new face of Burberry – if someone had wanted to tell her that she could become so successful with modeling one day! But it wasn’t until then that Cara Delevingne really got going: She took on jobs by the dozen until she was even seen on the catwalk as Victoria’s Secret Angel. In 2012, the Chanel brand named her “Face of the Year”. She also won the British Fashion Award in the Model of the Year category, promoted the lingerie label “La Perla” and became one of the faces for the well-known shopping website Zalando.

In 2015 Delevingne got the leading role in John Green’s film “Margos Spuren” (Margo’s Traces), in which she played Margo Roth Spiegelmann. The action lover seemed to enjoy it so much that in the same year she decided to concentrate fully on acting and put her modeling career on the hook – even though she was one of the world’s top models. Modeling is said to have made her ill, she says.

With a role in the film “Valerian – The City of Thousands of Planets” she finally made her acting breakthrough in 2017, which she herself could not really grasp. And this although she never took acting lessons – she simply has the talent in her blood! Nevertheless, advancement to the higher class of the acting world does not always seem to have been an easy task, says Cara Delevingne herself. She worked hard to achieve her success because she knew that only then could she live her dream.

“It was hard to be taken seriously, but anything else would have surprised me. I knew that I had to work incredibly hard if I wanted to become an actress, but I did it with pleasure and enthusiasm, because that’s what it takes”.

(Source: InStyle)

Caras interviews and Instagram – “don’t worry, be happy”

Cara Delevingne takes this saying, which is part of her Instagram biography, very much to her heart – you might think it came from her herself. Whether in interviews or in private, she always seems to be very relaxed and funny. Here a saying, there a photobombing action on red carpet photos of her friends and colleagues, or just making faces – Cara Delevingne can do that quite well! The blonde is also known for her beatboxing skills, which she proudly presents in – you could say – every interview. But that’s exactly what her fans and customers like.

On her Instagram channel, where she is followed by no less than 44 million people, the 28-year-old is also good for nothing. She posts whatever comes to her mind, bringing a breath of fresh air to the world of social media.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIkG8zFtk3/

Example

But she doesn’t just post nonsense: Delevingne advocates many current issues, such as demonstrations for climate protection, support for wearing a mouth and nose guard (#WearADamnMask), against racism (#BlackLivesMatter) and so on. She makes her followers aware of serious issues in a relaxed way, which is why she is a real role model for her fans in many situations in life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC6YzDKF8-s/

Complete package

You will notice: Cara Delevingne as a complete package is a real eye-catcher! Whether externally or in character. That’s what will attract the numerous jobs and fans to her: a woman who on the one hand is not too bad for anything and can be crazy sometimes, but on the other hand is also aware that you have to fight hard for success. She can be called a real talent and an inspiration.