Designer Philipp Plein is facing backlash for a Kobe Bryant tribute included in his Fall 2020 runway show during Milan Fashion Week on Saturday.
The presentation’s finale featured a number of bedazzled Los Angeles Lakers-inspired jerseys adorned with the late basketball legend’s number, 24, along with Plein’s own last name; the questionable looks were modeled by stars including Jada Pinkett Smith and Olivia Culpo.
However, it wasn’t the designer’s jerseys which were cause for the greatest backlash.
Plein’s runway was decorated with a duo of gold helicopters, a decision many on social media pointed out was exceptionally insensitive considering Bryant’s cause of death.
“Philipp Plein made two gold helicopters for his show today, which falls 27 days after Kobe died in a helicopter crash,” one person tweeted. “BUT DONT WORRY he whipped up a bunch of Swarovski Kobe jerseys (with “Plein” written on them??) so it’s cool. F—k you, Philipp.”
“Distasteful, tacky & material waste,” another critic chimed in. “Philipp plein who has so long been making clothing that adds nothing but clutter to the fashion landscape has decided to include gold helicopters along his crystal basketball jerseys after the passing of kobe & gianna bryant. its disgusting.”
Plein defended his show and collection in a statement provided to Page Six Style. “The catwalk setup was already planned and designed in November 2019, way before this tragic accident occurred,” he wrote. “This is the reason why they [sic] were gilded helicopters on the runway. I would have clearly removed them if possible, but it was too late to replace them.”
The designer also said that profits from his “Plein 24” capsule collection dedicated to Bryant, which includes a $3,150 hoodie and a $2,070 tank top, will be donated to the athlete’s Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Plein added that the “first $20,000” was transferred to the foundation the day before the show; Page Six Style has reached out to the organization to verify this.
“This tragedy affected myself and all the world deeply and I feel that my fashion show have [sic] been the best moment to express my respect and admiration for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and his family,” the statement continued.
“It is sad to see how something positive and constructive can be misinterpreted by people who obviously want to interpret negatively without even having a reason. As a matter of fact, I am really doing something to help and to support the foundation. Actions speak louder than words.”
It’s far from the first time the polarizing German designer has courted controversy. He’s invited alleged sexual offenders Tekashi 6ix9ine and Chris Brown to perform at his famously over-the-top catwalk shows; the latter also starred in Plein’s Fall 2016 campaign.
Last year, he also went to war on social media with a writer who posted a negative review of one of his runway shows.