Twitter Is Dragging Designer Philipp Plein's "Distasteful" Kobe Bryant Tribute

From Cosmopolitan

• During Milan Fashion Week, designer Philipp Plein held a Kobe Bryant tribute on the runway, which many are calling distasteful and disrespectful.

• Models wore jerseys with Bryant's number on them, which are now selling on Plein's site for thousands of dollars.

• According to the designer, proceeds will be donated to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, but it was not made clear how much from each sale will be contributed.

Designer Philipp Plein showcased his fall/winter '20 runway show in Milan last Friday featuring his usual over-the-top fashion, including leopard print gowns, neon hoodies, and sheer, lace minis. But also included in the mix were models who wore purple and yellow jerseys featuring the late Kobe Bryant's number "24" and the word "Plein" written above it.

It's been almost a month since Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash is Los Angeles on their way to a basketball game. (There is a public memorial for them scheduled today at the Staples Center.)

Plein's runway show featured gold helicopters in the background, which Twitter immediately called out as "distasteful."

Items from the runway collection are now available on the designer's website, featuring a bedazzled purple jersey listed for $2,070 and a sparkly sweatshirt variation listed for $3,150. According to the site and Plein's Instagram post, sales from the collection will support the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, but it is unclear how much is being donated from each purchase.

Bloggers and celebrities also walked the show including Gigi Gorgeous, Nikita Dragun, Olivia Culpo, and Jada Pinkett Smith, who also appeared alongside Plein during the finale.

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