Wait—Who Is Philipp Plein?

In a relatively low-key (and Raf-free) fashion week, it’s German designer Philipp Plein who can’t stop making headlines. He booked Kanye West to perform at his black-tie dinner at the Grill and the Pool–then it emerged a former West consigliere had allegedly forged the rapper’s signature. Then a near-shirtless Mickey Rourke and his Pomeranian, Egor, walked the runway with Plein to take the final bow. The latest twist found Plein going after a reporter for Fashionista, posting several Instagram stories, since deleted, criticizing her and her critical coverage of the show; when she expressed dismay that she was given a “standing” spot at a…seated dinner, he mocked her weight. Plein is not considered a fashion world darling—in fact, nearly every profile of the designer addresses the fashion media’s refusal to take his clothing seriously. And yet the man keeps making news that reverberates far beyond the industry. Read more at GQ.