It might be time to buy or renew the Prime Video subscription because Amazon has a documentary coming out later this year that delves into the business and lifestyle of Philipp Plein, fashion’s most glamorous enigma.
“Finally, we can tell the story — the untold story — of Plein,” the designer said from the rooftop garden of his Milan showroom, where makeup artists were adding glitter paint to the leopard spots on models’ heads and an Amazon camera crew jostled with Plein’s production staff as they assembled the runway lineup.
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It’s shaping up to be a landmark year for the designer, entrepreneur and super-dad who plans to move his family from Europe to New York City this year.
The change was prompted partly by his girlfriend, who loves The Box on Chrystie Street, and because he loves New York. Plein’s office looks out on Central Park, and the designer said he’s planning a “big show” there in September.
Between now and then, there’s a lot going on. Plein is staging a mega, pre-Oscars show at his Los Angeles home, Chateau Falconview, in Bel Air, and said an actor will be cohosting the event.
In the spring he’ll be upping his game during the Cannes Film Festival, swapping his annual party for another “huge” fashion show at his home there. He’s recently bought and redecorated the neighboring property, and refers to it all as his compound.
That lavish, big-spender mood wafted through his fall 2026 collection.
Sergei Kosenko, the influencer known as Mr. Thank You, walked in the show carrying a fat wad of cash in one hand, and a black leather bag in the other, while another model in a sparkly evening gown carried a gold clutch with a dollar sign on the front. Plein referred to the latter as “the money bag.” Understatement has never been Plein’s thing.
The collection was full of grand gestures, including slim, floor-sweeping leopard print coats and shorter ones in silvery faux mink, worn with sky-high boots encrusted with tiny beads. A dark wool, hand-embroidered coat featured a glittering display of Saturn, stars and rockets, and “Plein” picked out in fancy script on the back.
Silk evening gowns came with built-in gold jewelry, including necklaces and Plein’s signature bejeweled “piercing” detail at the front, while minidresses shimmered with handmade embroidery of tigers and other big cats.
Although this show took place at his longtime Milan showrooms, it’s clear that Plein’s mind is already halfway across the Atlantic. He spoke fondly of the big snowstorm earlier this year, of watching people “ski” to work, and of buying inflatable pool toys for his kids to play in the snow after all the sleighs sold out.
He even dressed one model for a night out in storm-hit New York City. She was wearing an olive sequin dress, matching army coat and black snow boots.
“She’s on her way to a party or to The Box. She’s got her heels in her bag, and she’s off to have fun,” said the designer, whose determination to succeed, and have a good time doing it, is equally unstoppable.
Launch Gallery: Philipp Plein Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear Collection
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