Wolfgang Joop, celebrating his 80th birthday, is a prominent figure in fashion known for his unwavering creativity. His journey began in Potsdam, evolving from studies in advertising and art to winning a fashion contest in 1970, which launched his illustrious career. Joop established his label ‘Joop!’ in 1982, creating a lifestyle empire. After a hiatus, he founded ‘Wunderkind’ in 2003 and later returned to the industry as a creative director at Van Laak, maintaining his passion for innovation.
Wolfgang Joop: A Fashion Icon at 80
Wolfgang Joop, who celebrates his 80th birthday today, November 18, is a distinguished figure in the fashion world. Known for his intense focus on his work, Joop is not one to let the realities of aging disrupt his creative flow. As he marks this significant milestone, he finds the notion of turning 80 somewhat unrefined.
A Journey Through Art to Fashion
Joop’s entry into the fashion industry was anything but straightforward. Born in 1944 in Potsdam and raised in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, he initially pursued studies in advertising psychology and art education in 1966. However, he left both programs behind, but not without forging a pivotal relationship with the captivating costume design student, Karin Benatzky, at the University of Braunschweig. This connection would play a crucial role in shaping his future.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Jette Joop, in 1968 and married in 1970, which prompted Joop to harness his artistic abilities to support his family financially. His early career included a stint as a restorer and an unconventional venture into art forgery, where he skillfully created imitations of old masters without ever claiming authorship.
In 1970, Joop seized an opportunity that would alter his trajectory: he and Karin entered a fashion contest hosted by a magazine. To their astonishment, they won multiple awards, providing them with the initial funds to explore fashion further.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Winning the fashion competition opened the door to a career in fashion for Joop. After a brief period as a fashion editor for ‘Neue Mode,’ he ventured into freelancing as a journalist and designer in 1971. His significant breakthrough came in 1979 with the launch of a lavish fur collection in New York, propelling his career into the limelight.
In 1982, he launched his own label, ‘Joop!’, marking the beginning of a fashion and lifestyle empire that included clothing, fragrances, eyewear, jewelry, and upscale home goods. However, his personal life took a turn, as his marriage to Karin ended in divorce in 1985, leading him to seek solace in a new relationship with his friend and business partner, Edwin Lemberg.
After a successful run during the vibrant 1990s, where he stood alongside fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld and Jil Sander, Joop made a surprising choice in 2001 to step away from his label. He expressed a desire to return to his artistic roots, feeling discontent with the direction ‘Joop!’ was headed.
A New Chapter with ‘Wunderkind’
In 2003, Joop founded ‘Wunderkind,’ aiming to blend luxury, art, and fashion. He led the label until 2017 while also immersing himself in artistic projects and exhibitions. His public presence grew again in 2014 when he became a judge on ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel.’
Despite stepping back from the fashion spotlight, Joop returned to the industry in 2019 as a creative director for the premium brand Van Laak, where he designs high-end shirts.
In a recent interview with ‘Spiegel,’ he described his relentless passion for creativity: “I am a spontaneous doer. I often find myself revisiting ideas, but whenever I uncover something new, I pursue it with fervor. I hope this drive stays with me until my very last endeavor.”