German designer Philipp Plein has set out a while back to take on the sportswear industry and to offer stunning luxury clothes and accessories that are cool and fashionable. This move makes sense, since over the last seasons, we’ve seen an increase in the so-called athluxury segment – a combination between sportswear and luxurious, elegant clothes. However, Philipp’s focus with Plein Sport was not to be another brand that mixes the two, but to offer a line of activewear that is of the high quality. In a 2017 interview, he said “This is to make it clear we’re not trying to do fashion with Plein Sport, we’re trying to do active. We don’t want to hustle every season to cover trends.”
This approach has proved itself to be successful, as the brand’s business has grown a lot and is now getting more and more exposure.
The brand’s collection for the spring-summer 2019 season was a great addition to the label’s portfolio, with a modern and edgy aesthetic, all while keeping it simple and classic. The theme was definitely tennis, but the show opened with the announcement that the Philipp Plein brand was a now sponsor of the soccer club AS Monaco (Monte Carlo being where they opened their first shop).
The 1980s were definitely the inspiration for this fun and upbeat collection. One could see deep-V knit jumpers, mid-calf socks and even body- and boilersuits. In terms of color, the men’s color palette went from a mix of white and tennis green to a white, black, and silver segment, whereas the women’s segment also included pink and neon accents. What was fresh about this collection was that it was dynamic and powerful – it really felt like a collection for sporty and active people, not a collection for those who just want to appear sporty.
This collection is tricky because it somehow plays a trick on the mind: was it indeed a collection that was so great that it is truly something to praise so much (definitely yes), or is the wow-factor of the clothes due to the fact that these days we see so little dynamic, young and upbeat clothes on the runways of the world? Either way, Plein knows how to work it and make a remarkable collection that won’t go unnoticed.
The collection, which was presented in Milan, is for sure one of the highlights of the season – it is a collection that talks to an audience of people who enjoy life, sports and the idea of community and fun. Go Grand Slam-ers!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Our three favorite menswear looks from New York Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2019
A review of the menswear looks from Paris Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2019
A roundup of the best menswear looks from Milan Fashion Week Spring 2019
A review of the menswear looks from London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019
The Moschino Spring-Summer 2019 menswear collection in review
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you make of the Plein Sport spring-summer 2019 collection? Do you wear activewear? Which piece is your favorite? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!