Who started it? German designer Philipp Plein’s bold and irreverent creations have won him an army of adoring fans, the ranks of which include Lindsay Lohan, Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones, no less. With runway shows featuring transgender models, semi-automatic guns and flaming cars, Plein is quite the expert at grabbing the attention. Founded in 1998, his eponymous label is now undergoing global expansion, with outlets in Paris, Milan, Berlin, Seoul and Hong Kong. It’s impossible to miss the new store on Queen’s Road Central, with its Murano chandeliers and an enormous Swarovski crystal-encrusted skull that hangs menacingly on the shop floor.
Why we love it: distressed denim, metallic embellishments and fur linings – we can see why Russia is one of Plein’s biggest markets. The clothing is statement, and it’s hard to imagine wearing one piece without going the whole hog with belt, boots and bling. Hot pink snakeskin clutches, sheer blouses and layered, metallic mini skirts are the louder pieces from this season’s collection, which includes an unapologetically proud “God save Plein” embellished varsity jacket.
What we’d pick: leather is key to Plein’s aesthetic and we love the snakeskin jacket with biker pads and extraneous zips (above right; HK$40,460) – very Terminator. Another favourite is the ankle-length silver dress (above left; HK$21,805). Metallic, fit to form and boasting a high slit, this dress counters any claims of prudish styling.
Where can you get it? Philipp Plein is at 30 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 3468 5038.
