Designer Philipp Plein is the presence of bedazzled versions of Kobe Bryant’s purple No. 24 Lakers jersey and gilded helicopters in his Milan Fashion Week show, saying the plans were made several months before the basketball legend and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in January.
Plein told USA Today in an interview published Monday that the Saturday show was planned and designed in November, “way before this tragic accident occurred.”
“This is the reason why they were gilded helicopters on the runway,” Plein said in a statement. “I would have clearly removed them if possible, but it was too late to replace them.”
“This tragedy affected myself and all the world deeply and I feel that my fashion show have been the best moment to express my respect and admiration for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and his family,” Plein wrote, according to the newspaper, saying that proceeds from the collection in question would be donated to Bryant’s Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
“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 support the foundation. Actions speak louder than words,” he added.
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